British News Agency

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office issued a statement following reports that European diplomats had been attacked by masked Israelis in the West Bank.

The statement emphasized that any form of violence against diplomats is unacceptable, while stressing the need for verifiable evidence given the seriousness of the allegations.

The statement alleged that the diplomatic delegation had entered a sensitive area where clashes had previously occurred without prior coordination with the Israeli military. It noted that such coordination is necessary to ensure the safety of visiting diplomats and prevent violence.

The statement also noted that Bernard Baudoux, a mayor and member of the French Communist Party, had participated in the delegation's visit. It further alleged that French authorities had previously requested the removal of a Palestinian flag after Baudoux displayed it on the town hall building.

According to the statement, published footage shows masked individuals blocking a diplomatic vehicle, while separate footage shows a broken window and a person lying on the ground. However, it emphasized that these images alone do not establish the full sequence of events or determine the responsibility of those involved.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced that Israeli police and forensic teams had launched an investigation to establish the details of the incident and identify those responsible.

The statement also raised concerns about what it described as a coordinated smear campaign targeting Jewish settlers in the West Bank during the annual olive harvest season. It called on the public and journalists to rely on verifiable evidence and refrain from making collective accusations based on allegations that have not yet been substantiated.