The White House condemned on Monday the alleged killing of a Palestinian Arab in self-defense by an Israeli resident of Judea and Samaria over the weekend, calling for the claim to be investigated.
“We strongly condemn the shooting of Methkal Rayyan by an Israeli settler from the illegal Havat Yair outpost in Salfit,” the US Office of Palestinian Affairs tweeted.
They pointed out that the suspect's home is in an "illegal outpost."
"We have seen reports that the Israeli police are investigating the incident, and note that Israel has responsibility for security in the areas it controls,” the Office of Palestinian Affairs said in a statement.
“We urge a thorough and transparent investigation of the shooting that leads to accountability and prevents future settler violence. The Biden administration has increasingly taken issue with the lack of accountability for incidents of settler violence, with suspects rarely arrested and even more rarely prosecuted."
The Office added: “As Secretary Antony Blinken said last month, all sides must take steps to prevent further escalation in violence and restore calm."
According to a preliminary IDF investigation of the incident, a violent confrontation developed between Jews and Arabs near Havat Yair on Saturday.
One of the Jews allegedly opened fire after an Arab hit one of the Jews in the head with a stone.
On Saturday evening Samaria Regional Council Cheif Yossi Dagan held a briefing with Havat Yair leadership and spoke with defense officials to receive a complete picture of the incident.
Following the briefing, Dagan announced that he completely supported the resident who opened fire and protected the lives of those around him. He said, "The resident who shot acted appropriately when he defended himself from the mob of terrorists who were out of control."