Israeli settlers injure French mayor, vandalize diplomatic cars in West Bank

Israeli settlers in the West Bank attacked a French mayor and two European diplomatic cars on Thursday morning, injuring the mayor and damaging the vehicles. The incident happened near the settlement of Kfar Saba, about 30 kilometres from Jerusalem. The mayor, who was visiting the area for a cultural exchange program, was struck in the head by a stone and left with a broken jaw. The cars were hit by rocks, leaving dents and shattered glass. Israeli police and the army moved to the scene within minutes.

The attack comes amid a surge of violence targeting European diplomatic missions in the West Bank. The EU has a small diplomatic presence in the region, and European staff have been under threat since last year. The incident follows a pattern of stone‑throwing and vehicle attacks that have escalated after the Israeli government announced plans to expand settlements in the West Bank. France has long maintained ties with Palestinian communities and has called for a two‑state solution. The mayor’s city in France has a twin‑town partnership with a Palestinian city, making her visit symbolic.

Israeli police detained three settlers who were arrested at the scene. The Israeli Interior Ministry said the attackers were part of a fringe group that often clashes with security forces. French officials condemned the violence and called for an investigation. The European Union’s diplomatic mission issued a statement urging its staff to take extra precautions. The mayor has been treated at a hospital in Jerusalem and is expected to recover. The damage to the cars is estimated at €15,000, according to the EU’s security department.

The incident could strain EU‑Israel relations and may prompt the EU to review its diplomatic security protocols. Israeli authorities are expected to investigate the attackers and may impose stricter controls on settlers in the West Bank. The event also adds pressure on the Israeli government to address settlement expansion and violence. It may influence upcoming EU discussions on the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict and could affect travel warnings for European citizens visiting the area.