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Israeli prosecutors have announced their intention to charge a West Bank settler with the killing of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, a rare move that signals a potential shift in how authorities address violence committed by settlers in the occupied West Bank. The decision comes after months of investigation into the July 2024 death of Hathaleen, who was known for his work documenting the challenges faced by Palestinians and his involvement in the Oscar-winning film, No Other Land.

The case has drawn international attention, not only due to Hathaleen’s prominence as an activist and filmmaker, but too given that the confrontation leading to his death was captured on video from multiple angles. The planned indictment represents a significant departure from the typical lack of prosecution in cases involving settler violence against Palestinians, a concern repeatedly raised by human rights organizations. Attacks by settlers and the demolition of Palestinian homes have seen a dramatic increase over the past two years, creating a climate of fear and instability in the region.

Details of the Incident and Investigation

According to reports, the incident occurred during a confrontation between Palestinians and Yinon Levi, the settler who is now facing charges. Video footage, reportedly taken by Hathaleen himself, appears to show Levi firing in the direction of the camera. Another video shows Levi firing two shots, though it does not clearly indicate where the bullets landed. The Guardian reported on the immediate aftermath of the shooting, highlighting the tensions in the area.

Initially, an Israeli judge released Levi from custody six months ago, citing insufficient evidence to link him directly to Hathaleen’s death. However, the State Attorney General’s office confirmed on Monday that proceedings to indict Levi have been initiated. While the specific charges have not yet been disclosed, Eitan Peleg, an attorney representing Hathaleen’s family, stated that the office intends to pursue a charge of reckless homicide. This will trigger a process allowing Levi to contest the charges before they are formally filed.

A Rare Prosecution Amidst Rising Violence

“Enforcement of the law in cases like this involving Palestinians in the West Bank is very rare, so this is unique,” Peleg told the Associated Press. The lack of accountability for settler violence has long been a point of contention, with Palestinians and rights groups alleging a systemic failure by authorities to investigate and prosecute perpetrators. According to the Israeli rights group Yesh Din, investigations into settler attacks have significantly decreased under National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. More than 3.4 million Palestinians and 700,000 Israelis currently reside in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories captured by Israel in 1967 and claimed by Palestinians for a future state.

Khalil Hathaleen, Awdah’s brother, expressed a mix of relief and frustration, stating that while the family is glad some form of justice is being sought, they believe a charge of “reckless homicide” is insufficient given the circumstances. “It was an intentional killing in broad daylight, with prior intent and premeditation,” he said.

Legal Response and Next Steps

Avichai Hajbi, Levi’s attorney, declined to comment on the impending indictment, stating he had not yet received official notification. Following the shooting, Hajbi claimed Levi acted in self-defense, but provided no further details. Levi could not be reached for comment. Israeli military officials have deferred questions regarding the indictment to the police, who have yet to respond.

The international community widely considers Israeli settlement construction in the occupied territories to be illegal and a major obstacle to achieving a lasting peace agreement. This prosecution, while rare, could set a precedent for future cases and potentially influence the dynamics of settler violence in the West Bank. The outcome of the legal proceedings will be closely watched by both Palestinians and Israelis, as well as international observers.

What comes next remains to be seen, but the formal filing of charges against Levi will undoubtedly intensify scrutiny of Israeli policies regarding settler violence and accountability. The case underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of conflict and ensure equal protection under the law for all residents of the West Bank.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.

A growing online trend sees individuals identifying as “carnivore vegans,” a seeming paradox that highlights the increasing polarization of dietary choices and the evolving landscape of food identity. The phenomenon, documented in recent posts and online discussions, involves adhering to a strict meat-only diet while maintaining a self-identified vegan ethos.

The practice emerged as a response to the popularity of the carnivore diet – an eating plan consisting exclusively of animal products – and a desire to challenge conventional notions of both veganism and meat consumption. While traditional veganism centers on the avoidance of all animal products, proponents of “carnivore veganism” argue they are ethically aligned with plant-based principles by consuming only meat from sources that minimize harm or waste, or by focusing on the nutritional benefits of a meat-centric approach.

Nicole Whittle, a plant-based lifestyle content creator, recently documented her experience attempting a “vegan carnivore diet” using plant-based meat substitutes. Whittle’s experiment, detailed in a video, involved consuming vegan bacon, eggs, chicken, and burgers, acknowledging the inherent contradiction but framing it as a commentary on dietary trends and their potential health implications. She emphasized that her attempt was not an endorsement of the carnivore diet, which she noted has been linked to health problems.

The concept challenges the fundamental tenets of veganism, which typically emphasizes compassion for all living beings and the rejection of animal exploitation. However, some proponents argue that a focus on regenerative agriculture and ethical sourcing of meat can align with vegan values by minimizing environmental impact and animal suffering. This perspective remains controversial within the vegan community.

The rise of “carnivore veganism” also reflects a broader trend of dietary experimentation and the increasing availability of plant-based meat alternatives. According to My Goodness Kitchen, a website offering vegan recipes, there is a growing demand for vegan options that appeal to meat-eaters, with recipes for vegan burgers, pastas, stews, and roasts becoming increasingly popular. This suggests a willingness among some consumers to explore plant-based options without fully abandoning familiar flavors and textures.

Experts note that both the carnivore and vegan diets present potential nutritional challenges. A carnivore diet may lack essential nutrients found in plants, such as fiber and certain vitamins, while a vegan diet may require careful planning to ensure adequate intake of protein, zinc, and vitamin B-12. A 2025 analysis by Carnivore Style highlighted that the carnivore diet can aid in fat reduction, while the vegan diet may help prevent diseases like diabetes. However, the same analysis cautioned that the carnivore diet may lead to high cholesterol, and the vegan diet may result in nutrient deficiencies.

The long-term health effects of both diets remain under investigation. The scientific community continues to debate the optimal human diet, with ongoing research exploring the benefits and risks of various eating patterns. As of February 16, 2026, no official statement has been released by major dietary organizations regarding the “carnivore vegan” trend.

Former President Donald Trump is facing renewed scrutiny after a video shared on his Truth Social platform depicted former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. The post, which has since been deleted, ignited immediate backlash, prompting questions about Trump’s rhetoric and its potential impact. The incident comes as Trump continues to campaign for a return to the White House, and as discussions around race and political discourse remain highly charged.

The video’s appearance sparked swift condemnation from political figures and civil rights advocates. While Trump later asserted he is the “least racist” president in modern history, his claim has been met with skepticism, particularly given his past statements and policies. The incident has also brought renewed attention to the historical use of racist imagery in political attacks, and the potential for such imagery to incite violence or reinforce harmful stereotypes.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore, the nation’s only current Black governor, addressed the situation during a CBS News town hall on Sunday. When asked directly whether he believed Trump was racist, Moore responded, “I believe that’s a question for President Trump.” However, he added pointedly, “I think his actions probably deliver the answer before he even has a chance to answer it himself.” The Independent reported on Moore’s comments.

Moore elaborated on his assessment, citing both the video itself and the broader policy priorities of the Trump administration as evidence of potential animus towards Black Americans. He specifically highlighted the impact of federal job losses during Trump’s first term, estimating that approximately 24,900 Marylanders lost federal employment, disproportionately affecting Black communities and women. According to Moore’s office, this represented “the greatest assault on Black female employment that we’ve seen in our nation’s history.”

The video initially appeared on Trump’s Truth Social account and was reportedly created by another user before being shared by the former president. It depicted Trump and his wife as apes in a jungle setting, imagery widely recognized as historically racist in its depiction of Black people. The post was removed from Trump’s account hours after it was initially published.

The controversy surrounding the video coincided with Moore being disinvited from a National Governors Association dinner at the White House. While the White House defended the guest list as discretionary, the timing of the disinvitation – occurring shortly after Trump’s post – raised questions about potential political motivations. The Washington Informer reported that Moore, as the only Black governor currently in office and the vice chair of the NGA, felt the exclusion carried “an added weight.”

The National Governors Association stated that the decision to exclude individual governors originated with the administration, not the organization itself. The White House maintained that attendance at presidential events is at the discretion of the president.

Moore’s comments on the matter came during a CBS News “Things That Matter” town hall. CBS News provided coverage of the event, highlighting Moore’s willingness to address sensitive issues directly.

The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of navigating race and political discourse in the United States. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, This proves likely that these issues will continue to be at the forefront of public debate. The response to Trump’s post and Moore’s subsequent comments highlight the deep divisions that persist within the country and the need for continued dialogue and understanding.

Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact Trump’s campaign and the broader political landscape. Further scrutiny of his past statements and actions is expected, and the issue of race is likely to remain a central theme in the upcoming election cycle. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.

Latvia is preparing for another night of dangerously cold temperatures, with weather warnings in effect across much of the country from Monday evening, February 16, through Tuesday morning, February 17. The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC) has issued warnings ranging from potential danger to outright danger, urging residents to grab precautions against the severe conditions. This latest cold snap follows a period of record-breaking low temperatures already experienced in parts of the country.

Most of Latvia – with the exception of northern Kurzeme and coastal districts – is under a yellow weather warning, indicating potential danger. However, the south and south-east of the country face a more serious orange warning, signifying a higher level of danger. The forecast predicts a significant drop in temperatures, potentially reaching -24 Celsius in many areas and as low as -29 Celsius in the most affected districts of the south-east between 7:00 PM and 10:00 AM local time, according to the LVĢMC.

Temperature Plunge and Regional Variations

The anticipated temperature drop represents a substantial challenge for residents. While daytime temperatures on Monday are expected to rise to between -8 and -3 degrees Celsius, cooling to -11 to -6 degrees Celsius in eastern regions, the overnight lows will be far more severe. The News Directory 3 reports that minimum temperatures could plummet to -24 to -20 Celsius in many locations, with the potential for even colder temperatures of -27 to -25 Celsius in central and eastern areas overnight.

Liepaja and Rucava have already broken minimum temperature records for February 16 for the second consecutive night, highlighting the intensity of the current cold wave. The conditions are being driven by an anticyclone centered over Latvia, bringing clear skies but also the possibility of light snowfall in some areas.

Air Quality Concerns Add to the Risks

Beyond the extreme cold, authorities are also warning of poor air quality in several cities. The LVĢMC has issued alerts for Rīga, Ventspils, Liepāja, and Rēzekne, adding another layer of concern for public health. Residents in these areas are advised to limit outdoor activity and take necessary precautions to protect their respiratory systems.

The LVĢMC urges members of the public to take suitable precautions to protect themselves from the cold. While specific recommendations haven’t been detailed, typical advice during such conditions includes dressing warmly in layers, covering exposed skin, and avoiding prolonged periods outdoors.

Looking Ahead: Continued Cold Expected

Conditions are expected to remain similar on Tuesday, with even colder temperatures anticipated overnight. Daytime temperatures on Tuesday are predicted to reach -12 to -7 Celsius, with slightly colder conditions in the south. The ongoing cold weather is a significant concern for vulnerable populations, and authorities are likely to continue monitoring the situation closely.

As the country navigates these challenging weather conditions, staying informed and taking appropriate safety measures will be crucial. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from the LVĢMC and local authorities for the latest information, and guidance.

What are your thoughts on the current weather situation? Share your experiences and safety tips in the comments below.