Israel indicts settler in rare charge over Palestinian activist’s killing
Summary
Israeli prosecutors have charged a settler, Yinon Levi, with reckless manslaughter for the killing of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen in the West Bank. This is the first time in over seven years that an Israeli has been indicted for killing a Palestinian in the area.Key Facts
- Yinon Levi faces charges of reckless manslaughter, armed trespassing, and property damage related to the killing of Awdah Hathaleen.
- Hathaleen was killed in July 2025 during a land dispute when settlers used excavators near his village, Umm al-Khair.
- Video evidence reportedly shows Levi firing shots at unarmed Palestinians, including the moment Hathaleen was shot.
- A Palestinian rights group found no evidence that Palestinians were armed and questioned Levi’s claim of self-defense.
- Levi was previously sanctioned by the UK and EU for violence against Palestinians; US sanctions were lifted after President Donald Trump began his second term in 2025.
- Human rights groups say the indictment is rare and highlight ongoing impunity for settlers and soldiers accused of violence in the West Bank.
- Since the Gaza war began in October 2023, more than 1,100 Palestinians, including 240 children, have been killed by settlers and Israeli forces in the West Bank.
- Attacks by settlers in the West Bank have increased, now averaging 190 per month, linked to organized groups like the Hilltop Youth and armed settler teams.
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