Image of Awdah Hathaleen via ICAHD.
Israeli prosecutors have charged West Bank settler Yinon Levi with reckless manslaughter for the 2025 death of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, local media has reported.
Hathaleen worked on the 2025 Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land.
It is the first time since 2019 that Israeli prosecutors have charged a settler for killing a Palestinian, according to Israeli human rights group Yesh Din.
Here's what you need to know.
Background
In 2024, the International Court of Justice found Israeli settlements in the West Bank are unlawful.
The Australian Government has repeatedly stated its agreement with the ICJ's position on these settlements.
Australia recognised the state of Palestine in 2025, which includes both Gaza and the West Bank.
Australia has imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers and the organisations that set the illegal settlements up.
Hathaleen
Awdah Hathaleen was a 31-year-old activist, English teacher and father.
Hathaleen was a consultant on the 2024 documentary No Other Land, which depicted Israeli soldiers' destruction of Palestinian people's homes in the West Bank.
It won the 2025 Oscar for Documentary Feature Film.
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your details:
In July 2025, Israeli settler Yinon Levi allegedly killed Hathaleen.
Levi was sanctioned by Australia and the EU in 2024 for human rights violations.
A video from the incident shared by Israeli human rights group B'Tselem, recorded by Hathaleen, captures Levi in a confrontation with a group of unarmed Palestinians.
He then shoots towards the group, allegedly striking Hathaleen in the chest.
Hathaleen was pronounced dead in hospital.
Charges
In February, Israeli prosecutors announced their intention to charge Levi with reckless manslaughter.
This week, the Israeli State Attorney's Office announced they had charged Levi with this offence, along with armed trespassing and malicious damage, according to The Associated Press.
The Times of Israel reported Levi told the court he was acting in self-defence, and Hathaleen was "killed by bullets from another gun."
What's next?
The Associated Press reports the prosecutors' office has confirmed Levi is not under arrest.
The office spokesperson told the publication that Levi will be read his charges at a meeting, to be scheduled in the coming weeks.
In Israel, the maximum sentence for reckless homicide is 12 years in prison.
