Israel charges West Bank settler over death of renowned Palestinian activist

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Israeli prosecutors have charged a Jewish settler with reckless manslaughter over the killing of a Palestinian activist in the occupied West Bank last year, in what rights groups describe as a rare indictment. The charges against Yinon Levi, filed in an Israeli district court, relate to the death of Awdah Hathaleen, a prominent activist who worked on the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land.

The indictment also includes charges of armed trespassing and malicious property damage, stemming from a July 2025 incident in which settlers operated a large excavator in the Palestinian village of Umm al-Khair, leading to a confrontation with residents.

Coverage comparison

All five outlets that reported the story — ABC Australia, Al Jazeera, BBC, France 24, and The Guardian — agree that Levi was charged with reckless manslaughter in the death of Hathaleen. They also uniformly note that the indictment includes charges of armed trespassing and malicious property damage. The outlets describe this as a rare legal action against a settler, with some pointing to the last similar indictment dating back years.

The reports differ slightly on the timeline of the last such case. Al Jazeera and France 24 noted that an Israeli civilian was last indicted over the killing of a Palestinian in the West Bank in 2019, citing Israeli rights group Yesh Din. ABC Australia stated the indictment is the first of its kind in more than seven years. BBC reported that B'Tselem said it was the first time an Israeli had been indicted for killing a Palestinian in the West Bank for nearly three years.

The outlets also diverge slightly on the total number of Palestinian deaths in the West Bank since October 2023. Most cite at least 1,100 Palestinians killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers, while BBC gives a figure of at least 1,110, based on UN data. BBC also reported that at least 41 Israelis were killed by Palestinians in the West Bank during the same period.

Key claims

• Charges: Yinon Levi, from the south of the West Bank, was charged with reckless manslaughter in the death of Awdah Hathaleen. The indictment also includes armed trespassing and malicious property damage. According to the indictment, Levi fired in the direction of residents, hitting Hathaleen, then fired another shot into the air.

• Hathaleen's background: Hathaleen, a 31-year-old teacher and father of three, was a prominent activist involved in the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land. He filmed the moment he was shot, and footage released by Israeli rights group B'Tselem shows Levi drawing a weapon and firing in Hathaleen's direction.

• Context of the incident: The killing occurred in July 2025 when settlers brought excavators into Umm al-Khair to level land, sparking a confrontation with residents. Hathaleen's family said he was shot while standing metres away.

• Reactions: B'Tselem said the indictment is the first since October 7, 2023, and that it marks "the exception that proves the rule," arguing that impunity for settler violence is a deliberate policy. A lawyer for Levi, Avichai Hajbi, called the prosecution's decision "mistaken" and said the defense would respond in court. Hathaleen's family lawyer expressed hope the charges mark a "turning point."

• Casualty figures: At least 1,100 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers in the West Bank since October 2023, according to UN data cited by most outlets. BBC reported at least 1,110. BBC also cited UN data saying at least 41 Israelis have been killed in the West Bank during the same period.

Perspectives

B'Tselem (Israeli rights group): The group said the decision to indict Levi is "the exception that proves the rule," and that the impunity granted to soldiers and settlers who harm Palestinians is "a central component of a policy designed to allow the violence to continue and escalate." The group confirmed the indictment is the first since October 7, 2023.

Levi's defense: Levi's lawyer, Avichai Hajbi, told the Associated Press that the prosecution had made a "mistaken decision." Levi, who has previously denied firing the shot, wrote in a letter that prosecutors should not penalize acts of self-defense and accused them of providing "de facto support for terrorism." He said he would fight for his innocence in court.

Hathaleen's family: A lawyer for the family said they hoped the charges marked a "turning point" in the consequences settlers face for violence against Palestinians.

Israeli military and police: The military has said it investigates wrongdoing by its soldiers and takes steps to crack down on settler violence, according to reports.