‘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.

Israeli prosecutors plan to indict an Israeli settler, Yinon Levi, for the killing of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen in the West Bank in July. The case is notable because the confrontation was filmed and Hathaleen was involved in the Oscar-winning film "No Other Land," which documented Palestinian villagers' struggle to remain on their land. Despite video evidence, an Israeli judge previously released Levi due to a lack of evidence directly linking his shots to Hathaleen's death. The State Attorney General's office confirmed the indictment proceedings, though specific charges are not yet public, but Hathaleen's family attorney said the office planned to indict Levi for reckless homicide. Rights groups highlight that prosecuting settlers for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank is uncommon.