Israeli warning shots at diplomats spark global backlash
Israeli soldiers fired warning shots at an international delegation of diplomats visiting the West Bank. The incident provoked international outrage and increased pressure on Netanyahu's government.
International pressure on Israel and Netanyahu's government has reached a historic level, even from Western allies who sanction radical Israeli settler groups. On Wednesday, an international incident occurred in the West Bank.
Israeli soldiers mistakenly fired warning shots towards diplomats representing the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, China, Russia, and other countries. A group of international diplomats and activists was visiting the city of Jenin in the West Bank when they allegedly came under fire from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Reactions to the incident
The Palestinian Authority, which administers the West Bank, issued a statement condemning the actions of the Israeli soldiers. The statement claimed that the IDF "intentionally fired upon an accredited diplomatic delegation."
Meanwhile, the IDF admitted in a statement that the group of diplomats had permission to be in the area but left the "approved route." It was confirmed that "warning shots" were fired.
"The IDF regrets the inconvenience caused," the statement announced. The army promised to conduct an investigation into the matter.
Diplomats at the scene
Diplomats from the EU, Portugal, Morocco, Brazil, Austria, Japan, Canada, India, Poland, Russia, Turkey, Romania, France, the United Kingdom, Mexico, China, Egypt, and Jordan were present at the scene. None of them were injured.
Video footage shows the group of diplomats rushing to their vehicles. Some of the cars were marked with flags of the respective countries.
Consequences for Israel
It is likely that the countries involved in the incident will soon summon Israeli ambassadors in their capitals, as the country already struggles with international isolation. Israel has begun expanding military operations in the Gaza Strip, and reports of hunger in the enclave further complicate the situation.
The incident in Jenin is certainly not helping Israel's international position, especially in the face of growing isolation on the global stage. Many of the diplomats came from Global South countries, which have long opposed Israel's policies towards Palestinians.
