Netanyahu Questions European Diplomats' Attack, Cites Lack of Coordination

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed doubt on Saturday regarding the attack on European diplomats by masked settlers near Ramallah, suggesting the accusations require solid evidence. A statement from the Prime Minister's Office, published on X, noted that the diplomatic delegation entered a sensitive area prone to conflict without prior coordination with the IDF, which is essential for their protection. The statement also highlighted that Bernard Bodu, a mayor affiliated with the French Communist Party who had previously flown the Palestinian flag over his city hall, participated in the visit. The Prime Minister's Office emphasized that the published documentation, showing masked individuals confronting a diplomatic vehicle along with images of a shattered window and a person on the ground, does not solely establish the sequence of events or individual responsibility, and that police and forensic investigators are examining the circumstances.

Earlier, seven masked settlers attacked Palestinian olive harvesters and a delegation of diplomats from Belgium, Poland, and France in the village of al-Taybeh, near Ramallah, also smashing the window of the Belgian consulate's vehicle. The IDF confirmed that the consulate's tour was not coordinated with them, stressing the importance of prior coordination to prevent such incidents. The army also noted that the initial report was received through a channel designated for security personnel only and not through the authorized civilian channels, but assured that the entire incident would be investigated.

In parallel, several other incidents were reported across the territories. In Yatma, south of Nablus, settlers accompanied by soldiers were documented preventing Palestinians from harvesting olives and stealing crops and equipment. In Dier Jarir, east of Ramallah, cars belonging to olive harvesters were vandalized, with their handbrakes cut. In Maliq, an attack was reported where approximately 20 goats belonging to a local family were damaged and slaughtered. These events follow a severe attack the previous day in an olive grove near Abu Falah, where Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine was injured after dozens of settlers armed with slingshots and a handgun attacked harvesters.

The incidents have drawn sharp condemnation from across the political spectrum. Gadi Eisenkot, Chairman of the National Unity Party, described the events in the West Bank as "Jewish terrorism under the auspices of the Israeli government," calling the attacks on foreign diplomats an unprecedented diplomatic and security incident that is damaging Israel's remaining legitimacy. Yair Golan, Chairman of the Democrats, stated that the "Netanyahu-Smotrich coalition is drowning us all in a sea of terror" and called for the reinstatement of administrative detentions against Jewish terror activists, the dismantling of illegal outposts, and the strict application of Israeli law to all. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar also condemned the violence, stating, "I strongly condemn the severe acts of violence committed by Israeli rioters in the Taybeh area." He clarified that the Foreign Ministry is in contact with the ambassadors of the involved countries to assist law enforcement in apprehending the perpetrators, but also noted that "without detracting from the severity of the incident, it is regrettable that the visit was not coordinated in advance with the IDF." The police stated that they condemn violence of any kind and that forces are working on the ground to collect testimonies, gather evidence, and ensure that those involved are brought to justice.