Israeli prosecutors on Thursday filed an indictment against Israeli citizen Yinon Levi over the fatal shooting of Palestinian activist Odeh Hathaleen in the southern Chevron Hills last year.

According to the indictment, the incident occurred during a confrontation near the Palestinian village of Umm al-Khair. Prosecutors allege that Levi fired two shots, one of which struck Hathaleen in the chest. Hathaleen later died from his injuries.

Levi was also charged with armed trespassing and malicious property damage in connection with the incident.

Levi’s attorney said his client acted in self-defense and maintained that the shooting followed a confrontation at the scene. The defense is expected to challenge the prosecution’s account as the case moves forward.

The indictment is considered unusual, as criminal charges against Israelis in fatal incidents involving Palestinians in Judea and Samaria are rare.

Levi was not in custody when the indictment was filed. Prosecutors said a hearing would be scheduled to formally read the charges against him and begin the court proceedings.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)