3:18Humanitarian aid is dropped from the air to Palestinians over the Central Gaza Strip as viewed from Khan Younis, July 28, 2025.Abdel Kareem Hana/AP
An Israeli settler, who Israeli authorities claim is suspected of fatally shooting a Palestinian activist associated with the Oscar-winning film "No Other Land," had previously been sanctioned by the Biden administration for purported violence against Palestinians — sanctions that were later revoked by the Trump administration.
Yinon Levi, identified by Israeli officials as the alleged shooter, was subjected to financial sanctions last year under then-President Joe Biden after being reported for allegedly inciting violence against Palestinian civilians and setting fire to agricultural land.
In an interview with ABC News Chief International Correspondent James Longman last year following Biden’s sanctions, Levi and his spouse, Sapir, refuted the allegations mentioned in the sanctions, stating they initially believed the sanctions were a "joke."
"We are here to defend ourselves, and nothing beyond that," Sapir Levi told Longman.
Yinon Levy, an Israeli settler who has faced U.S. sanctions for allegedly attacking and threatening Palestinians, and his wife Sapir converse with ABC News’ James Longman.ABC News
Shortly after assuming office in January, President Donald Trump enacted an executive order that lifted the sanctions and removed Levi’s name, along with others, from the U.S. "Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List."
Levi’s name was listed at the very beginning of those whose sanctions were revoked, as released by the Treasury Department in January.
Local authorities confirmed that 31-year-old Awdah Hathaleen was fatally shot in the West Bank village of Umm al-Khair on Monday.
The father of three was an activist involved in the film, "No Other Land," which narrates the experiences of a West Bank community through the perspective of a Palestinian activist. The film received an Oscar in March for best documentary feature.
According to the Palestinian Education Ministry, Hathaleen was also a teacher at the Al-Saray’a Secondary School.
In a video shared on X, the director of "No Other Land," Yuval Abraham, referred to Hathaleen as a "friend" and stated he was "shot in the upper body."
As per Israeli police, "Palestinians threw stones at civilian vehicles that were lawfully operating in the area" and a firearm was discharged. The Israel Defense Forces detained five Palestinians and two foreigners "on suspicion of involvement," police reported.
Humanitarian aid is airdropped to Palestinians over Central Gaza Strip as seen from Khan Younis, July 28, 2025.Abdel Kareem Hana/AP
Initially unidentified, the suspect was interrogated for "reckless conduct leading to death and unlawful use of a firearm," as stated by Israeli police. They further noted that a court had mandated the individual to be placed under house arrest until Friday, rejecting a police request to prolong his detention.
ABC News has verified that Levi was apprehended following Monday’s incident, according to Israeli officials. It remains uncertain whether Levi has been charged and if he has made any public statements.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce avoided inquiries regarding the accusations against Levi and the lifting of sanctions, instead redirecting responsibility to the Israeli government for the investigation.
"We condemn the loss of life universally — this has been the hallmark of the work this administration is undertaking," she stated. "We do not comment on investigations that pertain to
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
