Yinon Levi has been formally charged with reckless manslaughter in connection with the shooting death of Owdeh Hathaleen, a well-known activist in the West Bank. This indictment marks the first of its kind in over seven years, occurring amidst a noted increase in violence perpetrated by settlers in the region.
The charges were brought forth by the State Attorney’s office, which alleges that Levi’s actions directly resulted in Hathaleen’s death. Hathaleen was an influential figure and participated in the Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land,” released in 2025.
In addition to manslaughter, Levi faces allegations of armed trespassing and malicious damage to property stemming from an incident in July 2025. During this event, settlers operated heavy machinery in the Palestinian village of Umm al-Khair, leading to a confrontation with local residents.
During this altercation, Hathaleen captured footage of the moment he was shot. Video evidence released by the Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem shows Levi brandishing a firearm and discharging it towards Hathaleen.
Levi, who has been sanctioned by both the United Kingdom and the European Union for his role in violence against Palestinians, has denied any involvement in firing the weapon.
This indictment follows a significant escalation in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, which has intensified since the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. B’Tselem reports that, during this period, Israeli forces and settlers have been responsible for the deaths of over 1,100 Palestinians, including at least 240 children, according to United Nations statistics.
B’Tselem commented on the indictment, suggesting that it is an exception rather than a reflection of the typical legal response, claiming that the lack of accountability for soldiers and settlers who inflict harm on Palestinians is a deliberate aspect of a broader policy that perpetuates ongoing violence.
Another Israeli rights organization, Yesh Din, noted that the last time an Israeli civilian was indicted for killing a Palestinian in the West Bank was in 2019.
The Israeli military asserts that it conducts investigations into alleged misconduct by its personnel and that both it and the police are committed to addressing violence by settlers.
Hundreds of thousands of Israelis reside in settlements within territories captured during the 1967 war, which Palestinians consider essential for a future independent state. The settlements are widely regarded as illegal under international law by UN agencies, Palestinians, and numerous countries, posing a significant hurdle to peace negotiations.
Israel disputes this characterization, arguing that Jewish presence in the West Bank has existed for millennia. As of this year, 18 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in incidents related to settler violence, compared to 17 in 2025, according to UN reports.
