Report: Katz met suspect detained over brutal settler attack on West Bank village

Defense Minister Israel Katz met with Tal Yinon Dardik, a settler suspected of a brutal attack on the Palestinian village of Khirbet Humsa, who is currently on a hunger strike in his jail cell. The meeting, which lasted about an hour, occurred Friday, according to reports.

Dardik is suspected of participating in an attack in March where he and other settlers allegedly stripped a Palestinian victim, tied his genitals, and paraded him around the village. Dardik denies any involvement in the incident. He has been fasting for 20 days in protest after refusing administrative house arrest.

Katz offered to place Dardik under house arrest at a friend's home, but Dardik refused, associates of his family told Channel 12 news. He reportedly insists on remaining at his farming outpost in Area B of the West Bank, where Israelis are barred from entering.

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no connection

Associates of Katz told Hebrew media that the minister visited Dardik to ensure his life was not at risk. It is highly unusual for a defense minister to meet with someone suspected of a nationalistic crime. Dardik's family maintains his innocence, stating he has "no connection" to the incident and is "completely innocent, and is engaged in settling the land and raising sheep."

The arrest has sparked protests among West Bank settlers, including MK Limor Son Har-Melech, who have urged Katz and IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth to release Dardik. Police stated that rioters damaged and stole property, including sheep, and injured several residents during the March 13 attack.

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completely innocent, and is engaged in settling the land and raising sheep.