'Israeli' settler Yinon Levi (Credit: Flash90)
'Israeli' settler behind killing of 'No Other Land’ Palestinian activist released to house arrest
An 'Israeli' court has ordered the release to house arrest of Yinon Levi, a settler facing manslaughter charges over the fatal shooting of a Palestinian activist in the occupied West Bank earlier this week.
Levi, who has been previously sanctioned by the United States for violent settler attacks, was arrested in connection with the death of 31-year-old Awdah Hathaleen, a well-known English teacher and peaceful activist from the village of Umm al-Khair in Masafer Yatta, near Hebron.
Despite video footage showing Levi opening fire on a group of unarmed Palestinians during a demolition operation on Monday, 'Israel's' Magistrate’s Court declined to keep him in custody. The decision was not contested by police, who also permitted Levi an unusual pre-hearing visit with his family, according to Haaretz.
Hathaleen was shot after reportedly confronting settlers and 'Israeli' authorities over the destruction of Palestinian property. Footage from the scene shows Levi aiming and firing his weapon while a bulldozer continues demolition work in the background.
"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," said Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) in a tribute posted to X.
To know Awda Hathaleen is to love him.
— Jewish Voice for Peace (@jvplive) July 28, 2025
Awda Hathaleen was an activist and a resident in Umm al-Khair, an indigenous Bedouin Palestinian community in the South Hebron Hills within the occupied West Bank. He was an English teacher and activist. Awda has always been a pillar… pic.twitter.com/3Pf5Q8CxFA
Hathaleen, who contributed to the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, is survived by his wife Hanady and their three young children. He was also a footballer for the local team in Masafer Yatta and was remembered by friends as a committed educator and advocate for nonviolent resistance.
In a further escalation, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) detained eight Palestinians from Umm al-Khair on Wednesday, including the village head. Meanwhile, four other Palestinians arrested during Monday’s events are set to appear before a military court, accused of stone-throwing and property damage. Two international activists detained at the scene are facing deportation.
The handling of Hathaleen’s death has sparked outrage. 'Israeli' authorities reportedly refused to allow his burial in his home village, citing restrictions on Palestinian construction, including the placement of gravestones. Military forces also dismantled mourning tents erected by family and friends at the local community center.
The incident has reignited concerns over rising settler violence in the West Bank, which has surged since the war on Gaza began in October 2023. Over 700,000 'Israeli' settlers now live across the occupied territory in settlements considered illegal under international law.
Levi, a familiar figure in media reports on settler attacks, had previously been sanctioned under former US President Joe Biden’s administration, sanctions that were lifted earlier this year by the Trump administration.
