Ramallah:Jerusalem A European diplomat involved in a delegation that was attacked in the occupied West Bank has dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's skepticism regarding the episode.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the diplomat, who remains unnamed, stated, "The facts are clear. We were attacked," as reported by Israeli public broadcaster KAN. The incident, which took place near the town of Taybeh east of Ramallah, occurred during the olive harvest season. The delegation included the French and Belgian consuls, a Polish representative, and officials from the Catholic Church.

The diplomat criticized Netanyahu's office for suggesting that the delegation had not coordinated their visit with the Israeli army, emphasizing that Israel holds security responsibilities in Area B of the West Bank. They also questioned the necessity of attacks on diplomats and individuals harvesting olives.

In response to the incident, Netanyahu's office released a statement urging caution, highlighting that accusations need solid evidence. They acknowledged footage showing masked individuals confronting a diplomatic vehicle but argued it did not conclusively establish the sequence of events or individual accountability. Meanwhile, the Israeli army has initiated a joint investigation with police to look into the matter.

Reports stated that masked Israeli occupiers confronted the delegation, resulting in damage to a Belgian consular vehicle. It was noted that Israeli troops and police arrived at the scene three hours after being informed of the location and receiving footage of the incident.

Additionally, Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the opposition Yisrael Beiteinu party, criticized Netanyahu and his ministers for not addressing the rising attacks by Israeli occupiers, which he believes is damaging Israel's international standing. Such attacks have reportedly increased during the current olive harvest season.