Ramallah:A European diplomat claimed that Israeli colonists attacked a delegation near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, dismissing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's skepticism about the incident. The diplomat insisted that the facts clearly indicated an attack had occurred.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA – English, the Israeli public broadcaster Kan quoted the unnamed diplomat as stating, "The facts are clear. We were attacked." The diplomat also noted that the State of Israel holds responsibility for security in Area B, questioning why people, including diplomats, should face attacks while picking olives in the region.
Netanyahu's office responded to the reports by expressing doubt and requesting "strong evidence" to verify the claims, despite the Israeli military's condemnation of the incident and the launch of an investigation. The Prime Minister's statement emphasized that "serious allegations require strong evidence."
The incident provoked criticism within Israel. Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the opposition Yashar party, accused Netanyahu's government of supporting "Jewish terrorism" in the West Bank. Eisenkot warned that attacks by colonists on foreigners represented a significant political and security threat, potentially damaging Israel's international reputation and national security.