Israeli police investigate attack on European diplomats near Taybeh
Israeli police opened an investigation after European diplomats reported an assault near Taybeh in the occupied West Bank. Belgium said a consular vehicle was damaged and a French mayor attacked, while Poland said its representatives were unharmed. Israel’s military condemned the violence; Netanyahu’s office urged caution about conclusions and invoked an unverified smear-campaign allegation.
Geopolitics··Midday
Police seek victims and suspects after the Taybeh assault
Israeli police opened an investigation after European diplomats said they were assaulted by Israeli settlers near Taybeh, a Palestinian settlement in the occupied West Bank, on 17 October. Police said they were trying to find victims and identify suspects. The visiting delegation included Belgian, French and Polish diplomats as well as Catholic representatives. Israel’s military condemned the incident, describing a severe act of violence against diplomatic representatives by Israeli rioters.[1], [2]
The military said the visit had not been coordinated with it in advance. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also condemned the attack and said his ministry was in contact with the ambassadors of the countries involved. The military’s statement about the absence of soldiers was its preliminary account of the incident.[2]
A Belgian vehicle is damaged and a French mayor recounts blows
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said a consular vehicle was damaged and a French mayor assaulted. He said Belgium’s team was safe. Bernard Baudoux, mayor of Aulnoye-Aymeries in northern France, told Agence France-Presse that attackers kicked him, hit him with iron bars and knocked him to the ground during what he called a goodwill visit. Baudoux said he had not suffered serious injuries.[1], [2]
Poland’s foreign ministry confirmed the incident and said its representatives were unharmed. Preliminary information suggested settlers might have been responsible, the ministry said, while adding that there was no indication Polish diplomats had been specifically targeted. Prévot called for protection for Palestinians and diplomatic personnel and reiterated his support for European Union sanctions against violent settlers and their supporters.[1], [2]
Netanyahu’s office questions the circumstances
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said violence against diplomats was unacceptable, but urged caution before drawing conclusions. It argued that circulating images did not establish the full sequence or individual responsibility. The office also raised an allegation of a coordinated campaign to smear Israel and Jewish settlers. That allegation had not been independently verified. It said police and forensic investigators were working to establish the facts and identify those responsible.[1], [2]
