Israeli settler charged with killing Palestinian for first time since Oct. 7
An Israeli settler filmed shooting a bystander in the West Bank is being charged with murder, the first such indictment since the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks.
TL;DR
- Israeli activist Yinon Levi indicted for murder of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen.
- The alleged crime took place in July 2025 during a land dispute in Umm al Khair.
- Hathaleen captured footage of his own death, appearing to show Levi shooting into a crowd.
- Levi claims self-defense, while Hathaleen's family seeks charges of intentional killing.
- The indictment is seen by some as a rare step against settler violence, while others believe it highlights ongoing impunity.
- Levi faces charges of reckless homicide, property damage, and armed trespassing.
- Levi has previously been sanctioned by several countries for human rights violations.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has downplayed the issue of settler violence.