Israel’s Foreign Ministry criticized New York congressional candidate Brad Lander following his claim that he was detained by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) while participating in an olive harvest in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday.

Lander, a Democrat and former New York City comptroller running in the 10th Congressional District, recorded a video aboard a bus in which he said he and a group of rabbis and volunteers were held by Israeli forces. The district, which includes parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn, is seen as left-leaning, and Lander is considered the favored candidate after upsetting incumbent Dan Goldman in the June primary.

In response, the Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed Lander’s account, stating on its official social media platform that the incident was not about olive harvesting, but about generating media attention. The ministry added that Lander’s team had been informed of the necessary procedures but failed to coordinate with the relevant authorities. According to the statement, Lander deliberately entered a restricted security area in a foreign country without the required authorization and engaged in unauthorized activities. The ministry further accused him of seeking confrontation and subsequently portraying himself as a victim.

Lander has been outspoken in his criticism of Israel, having accused the country of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. His position on Israel and the conflict has become a significant aspect of his congressional campaign. A spokesperson for Lander did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding Israeli military presence in the West Bank and the complexities faced by foreign activists and political figures who engage in initiatives in the region without official coordination.