Israeli settler indicted for reckless homicide in killing of Awdah Hathaleen

An Israeli settler has been indicted for reckless homicide in the fatal shooting of a Palestinian activist. Yinon Eliya Levi, 33, faces charges for the death of Awdah Hathaleen, who was killed during a confrontation in the South Hebron Hills village of Umm al-Khair last July.

The indictment, filed by the Southern District Attorney’s Office, alleges that Levi fired toward an area where villagers, including children, had gathered. This occurred after Levi, working as an earthworks contractor, ordered a 17-year-old excavator driver to clear an unauthorized route across private land.

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Levi fired toward an area where villagers, including children, were gathered after ordering an excavator to clear an unauthorized route across private land.

According to prosecutors, residents gathered to stop the excavator, with one person being injured by its equipment. Levi then allegedly assaulted someone, struck a cellphone being used for documentation, and fired his pistol toward buildings and an area with adults and children present. Hathaleen, who was about 20 meters away filming the events, was struck and killed.

Levi reportedly fired a second shot into the air after warning the villagers not to throw stones. The incident occurred while Levi was working on the development of a new settlement neighborhood.

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Hathaleen, who was filming from the courtyard of the village community center about 20 meters away, was struck and killed.