Israeli prosecutors have charged an Israeli settler with manslaughter in the killing of Palestinian community leader Awdah Hathaleen on the occupied West Bank, marking the first time an Israeli has been prosecuted for a West Bank Palestinian’s death since October 2023, according to court documents and human rights organizations cited by the Associated Press.
Yinon Levi Charged in West Bank Killing
The Israeli prosecution filed the indictment at a district court on Thursday, naming the accused settler as Yinon Levi. According to the Associated Press, Levi resides in a West Bank settlement near Hebron. In addition to the manslaughter charge, Levi faces counts of armed burglary and criminal damage.
The Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem termed the legal action historic. According to B’Tselem figures reported by the AP, Israeli settlers and soldiers have killed at least 1,100 Palestinians in the area during the same period.
Video Evidence and Defense Response
Footage from the day of the incident captured Levi discharging a firearm toward Palestinians in Umm al-Khair, where Hathaleen lived, according to witness testimonies gathered by the AP. Witnesses explained that one of the gunshots struck Hathaleen, who was standing a few meters away.
One video recording shows Levi firing two shots. A separate video, which the victim’s family states was captured by Hathaleen himself, shows Levi shooting directly at the person holding the camera before the footage cuts off abruptly with groans of pain audible on the tape, the AP reported.
Defense attorney Avichay Hajbi dismissed the charges when speaking to the Associated Press, calling the prosecution’s decision “erroneous.” Hajbi stated that the defense team intends to contest the accusations in court.
Did you know?
Yinon Levi was previously among the Israeli settlers targeted by international sanctions. According to the United States and other western countries, sanctions were imposed on Levi in 2024 over allegations of violence against Palestinians, though former U.S. President Donald Trump lifted the American restrictions after taking office the following year.
Activism and Film Legacy of Awdah Hathaleen
Awdah Hathaleen was widely recognized as a prominent voice against settler violence on the occupied West Bank. He was a teacher, a father of three children, and frequently hosted international activists and visitors at his home in Umm al-Khair.
Beyond his local community organizing, Hathaleen contributed to the 2025 Oscar-winning documentary film No Other Land. The feature documented the ongoing struggles of Palestinian residents working to defend their homes and villages against displacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been charged in the killing of Awdah Hathaleen?
Why is this indictment considered significant by human rights groups?
According to the human rights organization B’Tselem, this is the first time an Israeli citizen has been formally charged with killing a Palestinian on the occupied West Bank since October 2023, despite over 1,100 Palestinian fatalities recorded in the territory during that timeframe.
What was Awdah Hathaleen’s role in the community?
Hathaleen was a local Palestinian community leader, school teacher, father of three, and an activist against settler violence who appeared in the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land.
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