Netanyahu casts doubt on settler attack witnessed by Guardian reporter

Assault on European delegation in West Bank exposes government’s response to violence even when those targeted represent Israel’s allies

Hours after Israeli militants attacked a delegation of European diplomats, French clerics and a visiting mayor in the occupied West Bank, Israel’s leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, responded by questioning the delegation’s account of the assault.

“Serious accusations require serious evidence” was the all-caps headline of a social media post from the office of the prime minister. As news of the attack spread globally there was no pledge to find those accountable and bring them to justice.