Settler Allegedly Killed Palestinian, Video Released as Israel Pardons Him

A Tragic Encounter in Umm al-Khair

In a recent incident that has sparked widespread outrage, an Israeli settler was released under house arrest after being accused of shooting and killing a Palestinian activist during a confrontation with unarmed Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The event, captured on video, shows the settler firing a pistol during a tense standoff. This incident has once again brought attention to the ongoing tensions between settlers and local communities.

Yinon Levi, the individual accused of the shooting, had previously been under U.S. sanctions, which were lifted by the Trump administration. He is believed to have killed Awdah Hathaleen, an English teacher, activist, and father of three. The shooting took place in Umm al-Khair, a village that has long faced issues related to settler violence. This area is also highlighted in an Oscar-winning documentary that showcases the struggles of Palestinians trying to remain on their land despite the challenges posed by Jewish settlements.

The Israeli military stated that an Israeli civilian opened fire on "terrorists" who were throwing rocks at Israelis. Meanwhile, Israeli police detained an Israeli for questioning on suspicion of reckless conduct resulting in death and unlawful use of a firearm. Five Palestinians and two foreigners were also arrested. However, a court denied the police's request to extend the detention of the Israeli suspect, leading to his release under house arrest.

Residents reported that four of the five arrested Palestinians remained in custody. Umm al-Khair is located in Masafer Yatta, a region that has become a focal point due to the documentary "No Other Land," which chronicles the efforts of Palestinians to stay on their land amidst violence and settlement expansion.

Hathaleen, whose footage appears in the documentary, was known for his activism and outspoken views about life under Israeli occupation. His death has led to an outpouring of grief from family members, international activists, and rights groups. His brother-in-law, Tariq Hathaleen, expressed deep sorrow on social media, stating, “You were always telling the story, and now you’ve become the story.”

Video Evidence and the Incident

The encounter in which Hathaleen was shot was captured on video and obtained by The Associated Press. The footage shows Levi waving a pistol during a standoff with a group of Palestinians on a dusty road, with a yellow excavator visible in the background. Witnesses say Levi was there to protect the excavator, which had rolled down from a nearby settlement and damaged Palestinian property earlier in the day.

Alaa Hathaleen, a cousin who filmed the encounter, approached Levi face-to-face, filming him with his phone and telling him that they did not have weapons and were trying to stop him. In the video, a Palestinian shouts that Levi is a “bastard and a thief.” Levi shoves someone just out of the frame and shouts, “Who threw stones?” Another Palestinian shouts, “Shoot me! Shoot!” and Levi fires a shot, seemingly away from the crowd. He then glances back at the excavator and fires again, shouting, “Get away from here, go away!”

Motasim Hathaleen, another cousin, said he saw Levi fire twice and then saw Awdah fall to the ground. Local activists attempted CPR, but it was too late.

Settler Violence and International Response

Rights groups argue that Israeli security forces often ignore settler violence or intervene on the settlers’ side during confrontations with Palestinians. Israel maintains that its forces aim to maintain order. Over 500,000 settlers live in the West Bank, while the territory’s 3 million Palestinians live under military rule.

Settler attacks on Palestinians have increased since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, as have attacks by Palestinian militants. The military has carried out several major operations in the West Bank, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians and forcing tens of thousands from their homes.

Last year, the Biden administration imposed U.S. sanctions on radical settlers, including Levi, accusing him of leading attacks on Palestinians, threatening them, burning fields, and destroying property. Although the U.S. lifted these sanctions under the Trump administration, Levi remains sanctioned by the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Anti-settlement activists claim that Levi has led attacks that displaced more than 300 Palestinians from four nearby hamlets since establishing a settlement outpost called Meitarim Farm in 2021.

Personal Impact and Community Response

The extended Hathaleen family and activists gathered at a mourning tent on Tuesday. Israeli troops later arrived, ordering all foreign passport holders and media to leave, citing a closed military zone. Alaa, who filmed the video of Levi shooting, expressed his anguish over the loss of Awdah, who left behind three children, including the oldest, who is only five years old.

Basel Adra, the Palestinian co-director of "No Other Land," described Awdah as a father, teacher, and close friend. Umm Al-Khair, founded in the 1950s by traditionally nomadic Bedouin, has faced challenges due to Israeli military actions, including the destruction of a quarter of the homes in the village last year.

On the day of his death, Awdah sent an urgent call to his network of activists and reporters, warning about the settlers' activities and the threat to the community's water supply. His plea for help highlights the ongoing struggle for survival in this region.