In brief
A convoy of European diplomats, including envoys from Belgium, France and the Catholic Church, was attacked by masked Israeli settlers in the Christian village of Taybeh near Ramallah. Belgian officials slammed the assault and called for justice, while the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the violence and urged coordination before such visits. The IDF denied active involvement and began an investigation. Israel’s Prime Minister’s office urged caution, claiming the incident may be part of a smear campaign. The attack follows a separate incident where settlers injured Palestinians during a harvest.
A delegation of European diplomats was attacked by masked Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot condemned the assault on the consulate general’s convoy and urged Israel to bring the perpetrators to justice. French journalist and Roman Catholic Church representatives were also present.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the language that the attackers were “irregular settlers” and confirmed that the Israeli Defense Forces did not have soldiers present at the scene. The IDF said it was investigating the incident and had no knowledge of the convoy’s route.
The attack happened a day after settlers injured Palestinians during a separate harvesting incident elsewhere in the West Bank. Many reports on social media show stones thrown at the vehicles and a window smashed on a Belgian consulate car.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office labeled the attack a “coordinated smear campaign” and urged caution before drawing conclusions, pointing to an ongoing forensic investigation.
Belgium will pursue Justice‑Sector sanctions within the EU and continue pressure on Israel to protect diplomats and journalists. The incident has added new tensions to an already volatile region, with calls from both sides for better security coordination during diplomatic visits.
This coverage is updated as new developments arise. PulseWire.news
