‘Joyful yet tearful’: Khalil Hathaleen on charges for Yinon Levi

Khalil Hathaleen, the brother of slain Palestinian Awdah Hathaleen, has expressed mixed emotions regarding Israeli prosecutors' plan to indict settler Yinon Levi on charges related to his actions in Umm al-Khair. Levi was recorded firing his gun after antagonizing locals, leading to a confrontation that resulted in Awdah's death. The planned indictment is seen as welcome news by Khalil Hathaleen, who believes it brings some measure of justice to the family. However, he has stated that a charge of manslaughter "doesn't rise to the level of the crime" committed by Levi. The incident occurred on an unspecified date in February 2026, in Umm al-Khair, where tensions between settlers and locals had been escalating.