Guardian reporter filmed masked militants seconds before West Bank attack on French mayor

Despite video footage, Netanyahu’s office described reports of the attacks as ‘unproven allegations’. Photograph: UGC/AFP/Getty Images

Hours after Israeli militants attacked a delegation of European diplomats, French clerics and a visiting mayor in the occupied West Bank, Israel’s leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, responded by questioning the delegation’s account of the assault.

“Serious accusations require serious evidence” was the all-caps headline of a social media post from the office of the prime minister. As news of the attack spread globally there was no pledge to find those accountable and bring them to justice.