Israel charges settler in killing of Palestinian activist in West Bank

Prosecutors have charged an Israeli settler with the killing of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen in the occupied West Bank, marking the first indictment of its kind since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. Activists confirmed the development.

The accused, Yinon Eliya Levi, 33, from Ma’on, faces charges including reckless manslaughter, trespassing, and willful property damage. Israel's Ministry of Justice stated that Levi allegedly fired toward an area where people were present during a confrontation over earthworks on private land, leading to Hathaleen's death.

“

Yinon Eliya Levi [33], from Ma’on, has been charged with allegedly firing toward an area where people were present during a confrontation that developed over earthworks on private land, causing the death of the late Awdah Hathaleen.

Hathaleen, who participated in the production of the Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land," was killed in July 2025. His death occurred during a settler attack on his village of Umm al-Khair, located in the Masafer Yatta region. This area is known for frequent settler violence and home demolitions targeting Palestinian communities.

The indictment represents a rare instance of legal action against a settler for violence in the West Bank, particularly since the escalation of conflict in Gaza. The region of Masafer Yatta has been under increased pressure, with residents facing ongoing challenges from settler activities and Israeli military policies.

“

The Southern District Prosecutor’s Office has filed an indictment against him … on charges of reckless manslaughter, trespassing, and willful property damage.