EU condemns violence against diplomats in West Bank
Brussels calls for action against settler violence, while Netanyahu says the circumstances remain unclear.
Follow-up to: European diplomats attacked by settlers in the West Bank Sunday, 18 October 2026, 00:41
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The European Union has condemned attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians and European diplomats in the West Bank. The US ambassador to Israel has also called for an investigation and prosecutions following an attack on an American journalist.
The European External Action Service issued a strong condemnation of the violence on Sunday. According to a spokesperson, this included the attack on European diplomats a day earlier in the Palestinian village of Taybeh.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said on Saturday that Palestinian residents, European diplomats, Catholic representatives and a French mayor had been attacked. A Belgian car was also reportedly damaged. The Israeli police have opened an investigation.
According to AP, the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, separately condemned the attack on Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine during the olive harvest. He called for a full investigation, arrests and prosecutions. According to AP, Levine was seriously injured in the incident.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned violence against everyone, but according to AP said the circumstances surrounding the attack on Levine remained unclear. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the diplomats involved should have coordinated their visit with the Israeli military.
The incidents are increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel. Belgium says it wants to push for European sanctions against the settlers responsible and those supporting them. At the same time, it remains unclear exactly who will be prosecuted for the attacks; the Israeli police said on Sunday that there had been no arrests so far.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The EU condemned attacks by settlers in the West Bank on Sunday.
- According to Belgium, European diplomats and other visitors were targeted in an attack in Taybeh on Saturday.
- Israeli police are investigating the incident.
- The US ambassador also condemned an earlier attack on an American journalist.
Left
Arguments From this perspective, the attacks fit a broader pattern of impunity and unequal protection for Palestinians. European statements are insufficient without sanctions and actual prosecutions.
Values Equality before the law, protection of civilians and human rights.
Consequences Without firm measures, violence could become further normalised and the position of Palestinian communities could deteriorate.
Centre
Arguments The institutional line emphasises an independent investigation, protection of diplomats and prosecution of proven perpetrators, without prejudging the outcome.
Values The rule of law, diplomatic prudence and proportionality.
Consequences Targeted measures can exert pressure without completely blocking diplomatic dialogue.
Right
Arguments This perspective emphasises Israel's responsibility for security, but warns against drawing conclusions before the facts and perpetrators have been established. Foreign visitors should respect security arrangements.
Values National security, order and restraint in applying international pressure.
Consequences Swift sanctions could make cooperation with Israel more difficult and further politicise the conflict.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The main events and responses have been confirmed by Reuters and AP. Uncertainty about the perpetrators and the precise circumstances is explicitly included in the text.
- confirmed The EU condemned attacks by violent settlers, including attacks on European diplomats. — Reuters quotes the European External Action Service. source
- confirmed Israeli police opened an investigation. — Reuters reports the police investigation. source
- confirmed Mike Huckabee called for an investigation, arrests and prosecutions following the attack on Heidi Levine. — AP quotes his statement. source
Editor's note
The new development is the EU condemnation and the American response. The attack and the precise circumstances are based on statements by the authorities and diplomats involved; Israel says an investigation is needed.Sources
- EU condemns attacks by violent settlers, including on diplomats — Reuters via MarketScreener
- Airstrike kills at least 9 in Yemen and other Middle East developments — Associated Press
- Israeli settlers attack Palestinians, European diplomats in West Bank, Belgium says — Reuters via MarketScreener
The story so far
- Friday, 16 October 2026, 15:32 Settlers attack Palestinian olive pickers in the West Bank
- Saturday, 17 October 2026, 18:00 Israeli police investigate attack on European diplomats
- Saturday, 17 October 2026, 22:55 US calls on Israel to prosecute settler violence
- Sunday, 18 October 2026, 00:41 European diplomats attacked by settlers in the West Bank
- Sunday, 18 October 2026, 13:41 US calls for tougher action against settler violence
- Sunday, 18 October 2026, 18:43 EU condemns violence against diplomats in West Bank (this article)
More on this in Dutch media
- Het Parool — „westelijke jordaanoever”
- Trouw — „westelijke jordaanoever”
- NRC — „westelijke jordaanoever”