protection of troops, according to the army. The IDF says that the estimated volume of produce harvested so far is approximately 22,500 tons of olives, from which approximately 5,500 liters of olive oil have been produced. The military claims that "flashpoints" account only for "a few percent of the olive-harvesting areas," and that the vast majority of coordinated harvesting sites under army protection proceeded without incident. The military significantly bolstered troops in the West Bank ahead of and during the olive harvest season. "Forces are deployed throughout the sector to provide optimal protection, thwart terrorism and prevent clashes," the army says. The IDF says it treats the violence and "attempts to undermine security on the ground by any side very seriously."

