Israeli settler accused of killing No Other Land activist released under house arrest
An Israeli court has released to house arrest a settler suspected of killing a Palestinian activist in the occupied West Bank on Monday.
Yinon Levi, a settler sanctioned by the US for violent attacks against Palestinians, is facing charges of manslaughter and unlawful use of a firearm in connection with the death of Awdah Hathaleen.
Hathaleen, 31, was an English teacher and a peaceful anti-settlement activist. He also worked on the production team of the Academy Award-winning documentary No Other Land.
The Magistrate's Court declined to keep Levi in custody, despite video evidence showing him firing at an unarmed Palestinian crowd in the hamlet of Umm al-Khair, in Masafer Yatta near Hebron, where Hathaleen was killed.
The court’s decision was not challenged by the police, who are investigating Levi for Hathaleen’s killing. The police also made the unusual decision to allow the suspect to meet with his family prior to the hearing, according to Haaretz.
New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch
Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters
Meanwhile, four unarmed Palestinians arrested during Monday’s confrontation, which led to Hathaleen’s death, are due to appear before a military court on Thursday, where authorities will seek to extend their detention.
They are suspected of stone-throwing and property damage.
Two foreign activists detained at the scene are also facing deportation.
Additionally, Israeli forces arrested eight Palestinians from Umm al-Khair on Wednesday, including the head of the village.
Hathaleen was killed after he confronted a group of settlers during the demolition of Palestinian property.
In a recorded video of the incident, Levi is seen brandishing a gun and shooting at Palestinians behind the camera. While it is unclear who filmed the footage, several Palestinians were in the vicinity.
After Levi begins shooting at targets off-camera, others in the background start screaming inaudibly in Arabic. One man runs into view and shouts to the crowd: "For God's sake, get back" - seemingly attempting to de-escalate the situation.
Behind Levi, an active bulldozer can be seen – a clear indication of what appears to be another demolition of Palestinian property by Israelis to make way for further settlement expansion. Such demolitions and settlements are illegal under international law.
An illegal Israeli settler shot and critically wounded Odeh Hadalin, a prominent Palestinian activist featured in the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, in Masafer Yatta, in the occupied West Bank.
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) July 28, 2025
Odeh was rushed to hospital and later died, according to his friends.… pic.twitter.com/ObAD19PDo9
Levi has previously been sanctioned by several countries, including the US, for his violent attacks on Palestinians and their property. The Trump administration lifted those Biden-era sanctions earlier this year.
He has been featured in multiple news reports documenting the impact of sanctions on Israeli settlers.
While settler violence is not a new phenomenon in the occupied West Bank, attacks have spiked since the start of Israel's war on Gaza in October 2023.
More than 700,000 settlers live in over 200 settlements across the West Bank - all in violation of international law.
Restrictions on graves
Following his killing, Hathaleen's body was taken by Israeli police for an autopsy.
On Tuesday, officials informed Hathaleen's family that he would not be allowed to be buried in his home village of Umm al-Khair.
According to +972 Magazine, the Israeli army is likely enforcing a ban on all Palestinian construction in the village - including the placement of gravestones.
Mourners were also prevented from holding a public gathering. Israeli troops forced family and friends to dismantle mourning tents that had been set up at the village's community centre to honour the late activist.
Hathaleen is survived by his wife, Hanady, and their three children, all under the age of 10. He was an English teacher, writer and a footballer who played for the local club in Masafer Yatta.
Friends and colleagues described him as a devoted father and committed peace activist.
In a tribute posted on X, the US-based group Jewish Voice for Peace said: "To know Awdah Hathaleen is to love him.
"Awda has always been a pillar among his family, his village, and the wider international community of activists who had the pleasure to meet him."
Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.
