Footage emerge of alleged Israeli settler fatally attacking West Bank Palestinian activist
Israeli Settler Yinon Levi Under Investigation for Deadly Shooting of Palestinian Activist
In the occupied West Bank village of Masafer Yatta, an Israeli settler named Yinon Levi is under investigation for the fatal shooting of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen. The incident, which occurred on July 28, 2021, in Umm al-Khair, a village that has experienced settler violence, is being closely scrutinized by Israeli authorities amidst growing concerns over settler violence and impunity.
Yinon Levi, who is subject to murder investigations, is currently under house arrest but remains shielded by Israeli settlement protections. Despite international sanctions, including those imposed by the EU and UK, Levi enjoys near-total impunity under Israeli authorities, a situation that reflects an escalation in settler violence with limited accountability.
The video footage of the shooting incident, obtained by human rights organisation B'Tselem, shows Levi firing a gun towards the person filming the incident. The bullet struck Awdah Hathaleen in the chest, causing him to collapse on the spot. Eitan Peleg, a lawyer for Hathaleen's family, revealed that Hathaleen had filmed the footage on his phone before the shooting.
Peleg is urging the district court to investigate Levi for more serious crimes. Despite the police's initial reluctance to investigate, they have since requested the video, according to Peleg. The police have yet to make any official statements regarding the investigation.
Awdah Hathaleen was an activist, English teacher, and father of three. His death has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. Palestinians and rights groups have long accused Israeli authorities of turning a blind eye to settler violence. After Awdah Hathaleen's killing, Israel's army initially refused to return his body for burial unless conditions were met for the funeral. An agreement was made with the police about a week later, and Hathaleen's body was returned and buried.
Levi, who was previously under U.S. sanctions but had them lifted by the Trump administration, helped establish a settler outpost near Umm al-Khair that is accused of being a bastion for violent settlers. Avichai Hajbi, a lawyer representing Yinon Levi, claims Levi acted in self-defense, without specifying the actions. The shooting incident is profiled in the Oscar-winning film "No Other Land."
The shooting of Awdah Hathaleen is just one example of the escalating violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinians. Settler attacks on Palestinians have increased since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, raising concerns about the safety and security of Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank. As the investigation into Yinon Levi's actions continues, it serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and justice for all those affected by settler violence.
- The incident involving Yinon Levi, who is currently under investigation for the fatal shooting of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, sheds light on the escalating war-and-conflicts and politics in the occupied West Bank.
- Despite the general-news regarding Awdah Hathaleen's death and the ensuing calls for justice, Yinon Levi, who has previous ties with the US and allegations of aiding settler violence, remains shielded by Israeli settlement protections.
- As the investigation into Yinon Levi progresses, the crime-and-justice system will be under scrutiny for its handling of the case, raising questions about politics and the accountability for settler violence in the region.
