8 months ago
US Lawmakers Criticize Israel Over 2023 Journalist Strike
In 2023, an Israeli tank fired at a group of journalists in Lebanon, killing one and wounding others.
US lawmakers say Israel hasn't properly investigated the incident.
They claim Israel hasn't provided any proof of an investigation or spoken to victims, witnesses, or shooters.
The Israeli military says the event is still being examined.
The journalists' employers, Reuters and AFP, are calling for a thorough and transparent probe and accountability for those responsible.
The lawmakers and journalists are continuing their efforts to seek justice.
An Israeli tank struck a group of journalists in Lebanon on October 13, 2023, killing Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah and wounding AFP photographers Christina Assi and Dylan Collins.
US lawmakers, including Senator Peter Welch, accuse Israel of not conducting a serious investigation into the incident and not providing any evidence of an investigation.
The Israeli military claims the event is still being examined but has not offered an explanation for the strike.
Reuters and AFP have been seeking a swift, thorough, and transparent probe into the strike and accountability for those responsible.
US lawmakers and journalists are continuing their efforts to seek justice for the attack, which they see as part of a broader pattern of impunity.
- Who
- US lawmakers and journalists affected by the 2023 Israeli strike
- What
- Criticism of Israel's handling of the investigation into the strike that killed a Reuters journalist and wounded others
- Where
- The attack was in Lebanon; the news conference was in Washington, DC
- When
- The attack occurred on October 13, 2023; the news conference was held on December 11, 2025
- Why
- US lawmakers and journalists are seeking accountability and justice for the attack
Key facts
- Date of Attack
- October 13, 2023
- Location of Attack
- Lebanon
- Journalist Killed
- Issam Abdallah (Reuters)
- Journalists Wounded
- Christina Assi (AFP), Dylan Collins (AFP)
- US Lawmakers Involved
- Peter Welch, Chris Van Hollen, Becca Balint, Bernie Sanders
- Israeli Military Statement
- Event is still being examined
- AFP's Stance
- Seeking full accountability for over two years
- Reuters' Request
- Swift, thorough, and transparent probe since 2023
Quotes
Peter Welch
U.S. Senator from Vermont
“The IDF claimed they conducted an investigation but there’s absolutely no evidence that there was any investigation.”
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“The IDF has made no effort, none, to seriously investigate this incident.”
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Chris Van Hollen
U.S. Senator from Maryland
“We have not seen accountability or justice in this case.”
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“It is part of a broader pattern of impunity, of attacks on Americans and on journalists by the government of Israel.”
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IDF spokesperson
Spokesperson for the Israeli military
“The event is still being examined.”
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Marc Lavine
AFP Regional Director for North America
“AFP calls on the Israeli authorities to reveal the results of any investigation and to hold those responsible to account.”
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