The European Union strongly condemns attacks by extremist settlers across the West Bank, including those directed at European diplomats, according to the bloc's foreign policy spokesperson on Sunday.

The statement followed reports from Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot that Israeli settlers had assaulted Palestinian civilians, European diplomats and a French mayor in the West Bank.

The EU spokesperson noted positive statements from several Israeli representatives condemning the attacks but called for full accountability and effective steps to stop ongoing violence and harassment against Palestinians, including during the olive harvest season, as well as against journalists.

The reported incident involved a group of European diplomats who said they were attacked by Jewish settler extremists on Saturday.

Netanyahu Urges Caution Over Alleged Smear Campaign Against Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by stating that serious accusations require serious evidence.

The Prime Minister's Office urged caution before drawing conclusions from reports that European diplomats were attacked by masked Israelis in Judea and Samaria, noting that any violence against diplomats is unacceptable and that greater accusations demand stronger proof.

Netanyahu's statement described the reports as part of a coordinated campaign to smear Israel and Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria during the annual olive harvest, often based on sensational headlines before full facts are known.

The statement warned that further allegations may surface in coming days and that reputational damage from premature conclusions could already occur by the time evidence is examined, calling on the public and journalists to seek verifiable proof and avoid turning unproven claims into collective accusations against residents.