European diplomats say they were attacked by Israeli settlers in the West Bank; Israel urges caution before drawing conclusions
Updated on: October 17, 2026 / 5:02 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- European diplomats from France, Belgium, and Poland stated they were assaulted by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank near Taybeh.
- Israeli police have launched an investigation into the incident, with the Prime Minister's office urging caution and suggesting a potential 'smear campaign' against Israel.
- Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot claimed settlers targeted diplomats and Catholic representatives, linking the attack to Israel's 'illegal settlement policy'.
- A French mayor, Bernard Baudoux, also reported being attacked, describing the violence as 'gratuitous'.
- Poland's foreign ministry confirmed its representatives were unharmed but condemned the incident, attributing responsibility to Israeli settlers.
- Violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank has reportedly surged in recent years.
- The incident follows a similar attack on Friday where a freelance American photojournalist, Heidi Levine, was injured.