Israeli settlers attack European diplomats in West Bank

· Security · Israel · Palestine

Masked Israeli settlers attacked European diplomats, a French mayor and the archbishop of Cambrai in Taybeh in the occupied West Bank, injuring three people and damaging a car, as they tried to stop Palestinians harvesting olives. Belgium's foreign minister said Catholic representatives and Western diplomats and officials were among those attacked. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned the beating of a Washington Post journalist in the West Bank and demanded a full investigation, arrest and prosecution. The Israeli military condemned the violence, but the prime minister's office called it part of a 'smear' campaign. Britain has spearheaded economic sanctions that in turn led Israel to close its British consulate in Jerusalem.

Why it matters：Attacks on diplomats raise the cost of settler violence for Israel's Western partners and could harden sanctions already moving through European capitals.

Key points

  • Three people were injured and a car damaged in the Taybeh attack.
  • Washington's ambassador demanded investigation, arrest and prosecution over the assault on a US journalist.
  • Britain's sanctions push led Israel to close its Jerusalem consulate.

Sources (original reporting)

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