A group of US lawmakers led by Vermont Sens. Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch are urging President Joe Biden to authorize an independent investigation into a targeted Israeli attack on journalists that resulted in one death and six injuries. American journalist Dylan Collins, working for Agence France-Presse (AFP) in Lebanon, was among those targeted by an Israeli tank firing on a clearly identified press group. The attack resulted in one journalist dead, another losing a leg, and Collins sustaining serious injuries.
The lawmakers criticized the State Department’s response that Israel was conducting its own investigation, calling it “unacceptable” and pointing out Israel’s history of failing to investigate attacks on journalists. They are demanding that the US government open an impartial and transparent investigation led by the Department of Justice. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim of an investigation, the lawmakers state that no witnesses have been contacted, and there have been no updates.
With more than 130 journalists killed by Israel since last year, the lawmakers emphasize the need for accountability and urge the US government to take action to ensure justice for attacks on its citizens.