Israeli settlers attack European delegation convoy in West Bank
Settlers beat a French mayor during a convoy of European diplomats in the West Bank, prompting diplomatic calls for justice.
Key facts
- Settlers attacked a convoy carrying European diplomats in the West Bank on 15 October 2026.
- The attack included beating the 78‑year‑old French mayor, Bernard Baudoux, with iron bars.
- France’s Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot described the incident as “appalling” and demanded arrests.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a “smear” campaign against settlers.
- Israeli police said they would open an investigation into the incident.
On Saturday, 15 October 2026, Israeli settlers attacked a convoy of European diplomats in the West Bank. The convoy was traveling near the village of Beit Awwa, west of Hebron. The attackers beat the 78‑year‑old French mayor, Bernard Baudoux, with iron bars.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot called the attack “appalling” and urged Israel to arrest those responsible. He also demanded that Israel halt criminal violence and guarantee civilian safety under international law.
Israeli police said they would open an investigation into the incident. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the attack as a “smear” campaign against settlers and said diplomats should have coordinated with the Israeli military.
Belgium called for an end to impunity for violent settlers. Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot criticized Netanyahu over the violence, calling it “burning away the little legitimacy the State of Israel still possesses”.
Context
The incident occurred during the Palestinian olive harvest, a period that has seen recent violence. It happened one day after settlers beat an American photographer for The Washington Post.
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How this was made
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