European diplomats attacked by Israeli settlers in West Bank

Israeli settlers attacked European diplomats in the West Bank village of Taybeh, according to reports. The Belgian delegation, which included the country's consul general and other diplomats, was targeted by masked settlers on a convoy. Belgium condemned the assault and called for Israel to bring those responsible to justice. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also condemned the violence, stating they were investigating the incident.

However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office suggested the attack might be part of a coordinated campaign to smear Israel. The assault came after a separate attack on Palestinians and a Washington Post photographer in another West Bank village. The diplomats were in Taybeh to assess the situation following frequent attacks on Palestinians trying to bring in their olive harvest.

Video footage showed settlers confronting the diplomats, with stones thrown and a French mayor injured. Belgium's Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot condemned the attack and stated that Israel had a responsibility to bring those responsible to justice. Israel's Prime Minister Gideon Sa ar also condemned the violence by "Israeli rioters," but urged caution before drawing conclusions, citing a lack of coordination with the IDF.

The IDF stated no soldiers were present during the attack, while Netanyahu's office urged restraint, noting reports were still under investigation.