The attack was reported by two diplomats and a witness who spoke to the AFP news agency. According to their accounts, the diplomatic convoy was travelling through areas occupied by Israel when settlers attacked the vehicles.
The incident was captured on video, which shows 78-year-old Bernard Baudoux, mayor of the French town of Aulnoye-Aymeries, falling to the ground during the attack. His injuries were not life-threatening, according to diplomatic sources.
“Illegal settler policy”
Several European capitals have reacted strongly.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called on Israel to “stop this criminal violence” and guarantee the safety of the civilian population in accordance with international law.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot wrote on X that “impunity for violent settlers must end”, adding:
"These acts of violence cannot be separated from Israel's illegal settlement policy. Belgium condemns the expansion of settlements and attempts to forcibly remove Palestinians from their land."
Smear
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the settler attacks. Israeli police were ordered to find those responsible.
But Prime Minister Netanyahu's office said in a statement on Saturday that reports of the incident were part of a "coordinated campaign to smear Israel and Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria."
Judea and Samaria are biblical terms Israel often uses for the West Bank.
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