On 24 March 2025, Ballal was assaulted by Israeli settlers who attacked his home in Susya. According to reports, 10–20 masked settlers, armed with sticks, stones, and in some cases firearms and knives, targeted Ballal and activists from the Center for Jewish Nonviolence. The assailants, accompanied by unidentified IDF soldiers, entered Susya and proceeded directly to Ballal's residence, vandalizing property, smashing windows, and slashing vehicle tires. Witnesses stated that although
Israeli police arrived at the scene, they did not intervene. After the attack, Ballal's co-director
Yuval Abraham posted on
X that there had been "no sign" of Ballal since the incident. He stated that Israeli soldiers had beaten him again during his detention at the base. Residents of Susya reported an escalation in settler violence following the film's Oscar win, suggesting retaliation for its success. Following his detention, the
European Film Academy called for Ballal's release, while the
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences—having recently awarded Ballal an Oscar—remained silent despite calls from its members. On 27 March 2025, the Academy issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to artistic freedom, declaring, "We condemn the harming or suppression of artists for their work or their viewpoints," though it did not mention Ballal by name. The following day, over 500 Academy members signed an open letter criticizing the organization for failing to publicly support Ballal after his arrest. On 29 March 2025, the Academy apologized for not acknowledging Ballal or his film by name and to all artists who felt unsupported by its previous statement. It also condemned "violence of this kind anywhere in the world," adding, "We abhor the suppression of free speech under any circumstances." == Awards ==