In brief
- The death of Awdah Hathaleen drew particular attention due to his involvement in the Oscar-winning film No Other Land.
- Footage of his alleged killing by settler Yinon Levi was captured on video.
In a rare move, Israeli prosecutors are preparing to charge a settler with the killing of a Palestinian activist, marking a significant development in the ongoing tensions within the occupied West Bank. This decision follows a confrontation that was vividly captured on video, highlighting the often-overlooked violence perpetrated by some Jewish settlers.
The incident, which occurred in July, resulted in the death of Awdah Hathaleen, a figure well-known for his activism. Hathaleen gained prominence through his involvement in the Oscar-winning film “No Other Land,” which documented the struggles of Palestinian villagers to maintain their hold on their ancestral land. His death has sparked considerable attention, both locally and internationally, especially against the backdrop of increasing settler attacks and home demolitions over the past two years.
The case has drawn particular scrutiny due to the clear video evidence capturing the altercation between Hathaleen and Yinon Levi, a settler who has been subject to international sanctions. This footage, recorded from multiple angles, provides a crucial narrative of the events leading to Hathaleen’s death.
One of the videos, reportedly filmed by Hathaleen himself, shows Levi aiming and firing towards the camera holder. Another recording captures Levi discharging his weapon twice, though the footage does not reveal where the bullets landed.
Despite these recordings, an Israeli judge decided to release Levi from custody six months ago, citing insufficient evidence to conclusively determine that Levi’s shots were responsible for Hathaleen’s death. The upcoming prosecution, however, signals a potential shift in how such incidents are addressed legally, amidst ongoing debates about accountability and justice in the region.
An Israeli judge released Levi from custody six months ago, citing a lack of evidence that he fired the shots that killed Hathaleen.
Israel’s State Attorney General’s office confirmed in a statement on Monday that it had initiated proceedings to indict Levi.
It did not specify the charges.
Eitan Peleg, an attorney for Hathaleen’s family, said the office had informed them it planned to indict Levi for reckless homicide, triggering a process that allows Levi to contest charges before they are formally filed.
“Enforcement of the law in cases like this involving Palestinians in the West Bank is very rare, so this is unique,” Peleg told The Associated Press on Monday.
Israel’s military referred questions on the indictment to the police, who have not yet responded. Both bodies enforce laws in the area.
More than 3.4 million Palestinians and 700,000 Israelis live in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories captured by Israel in 1967 and sought by Palestinians for a future state.
The international community overwhelmingly considers Israeli settlement construction in these areas to be illegal and an obstacle to peace.
Palestinians and rights groups say authorities routinely fail to prosecute settlers or hold them accountable for violence.
Under National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, investigations into settler attacks have plummeted, according to the Israeli rights group Yesh Din.
Khalil Hathaleen, Awdah’s brother, said the family was glad some measure of justice was being pursued, but felt the charge of “reckless homicide” was insufficient.
“It was an intentional killing in broad daylight, with prior intent and premeditation,” he said.
Levi’s attorney, Avichai Hajbi, declined on Monday to comment on the coming indictment, which he said he had not received.
After the shooting, he told The Associated Press that Levi acted in self-defence, without elaborating. Levi did not answer phone calls on Monday.
— With reporting by the Associated Press via the Australian Associated Press.
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