Netanyahu warns of 'campaign to smear Israel' after European diplomats attacked in West Bank
"We urge caution before drawing conclusions from today's reports that European diplomats were attacked by masked Israelis," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed concern over a campaign aimed at tarnishing Israel's reputation following an incident in the West Bank where European diplomats were reportedly attacked by masked individuals. In a statement, Netanyahu emphasized the need for concrete evidence before accepting serious accusations.
He urged caution against drawing conclusions based on preliminary reports that claim European diplomats were assaulted by masked Israelis in Judea and Samaria, stressing that any violence against diplomats is unacceptable. The seriousness of the accusations demands robust evidence, the Prime Minister's Office stated.
According to the official report, the diplomatic delegation entered a region with a history of clashes without proper coordination with the IDF, as confirmed by the military. The delegation included Bernard Baudoux, a French Communist Party mayor who had previously flown a Palestinian flag at his municipal building, leading French authorities to order its removal.
Footage showed masked individuals confronting a diplomatic vehicle, alongside images of a broken window and a person lying on the ground. However, these visuals do not provide a complete account of the events or pinpoint individual culpability. The investigation by Israeli police and forensic experts is ongoing to ascertain the facts and identify the perpetrators.
The Prime Minister's Office highlighted a growing concern about a coordinated effort to defame Israel and its residents during the annual olive harvest, utilizing sensational headlines before the full context is known. They anticipate further allegations in the days ahead. Netanyahu's statement cautioned the public and responsible journalists to await verified evidence, reject unverified claims, and avoid using unproven allegations to vilify the Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria.
Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot also weighed in, labeling the attackers as "Jewish terrorists" and placing the blame on the government for the violent wave in the West Bank. He warned that such incidents are undermining the state's legitimacy and endangering security forces, national security, and settlement endeavors in Judea and Samaria.
Eisenkot denounced the act as a political and security crime, accusing some in leadership of failing to act promptly or alert the public. The Foreign Minister of Belgium, Gideon Sa ar, strongly condemned the violence in Taybeh, emphasizing the need for a police investigation and forensic analysis. He noted that coordination with the IDF could have enhanced the safety of the diplomats, and the Foreign Ministry is collaborating with affected nations' ambassadors to support law enforcement efforts in identifying and prosecuting the attackers.
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