Aysenur Ezgi Eygi: An Overlooked American Tragedy

In a recent U.S. State Department press briefing, Spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed the death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish-American woman killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank on September 6, 2024. Eygi was participating in a protest against settlement expansion in the West Bank amid Israel’s war in Gaza.¹ Her family has demanded a United States criminal investigation into the incident, expressing deep frustration and a lack of confidence in the U.S. government’s commitment to uncovering the truth. This has prompted renewed debate over American responsibilities to its citizens abroad and the complexity of balancing diplomatic relationships with the pursuit of justice.

Background and the Family’s Demands

Eygi’s family has called on the United States to initiate its own criminal investigation into the circumstances of her death, arguing that they deserve accountability and clarity, especially given the close alliance between the U.S. and Israel. This call for an independent inquiry highlights a longstanding concern: when U.S. citizens are harmed abroad—particularly in regions of protracted conflict—families often rely on the U.S. government to leverage its diplomatic and law enforcement tools to secure answers. However, such requests can be complicated by jurisdictional limits, international relations, and commitments to uphold investigative protocols of allied nations.

U.S. State Department Response

Spokesperson Miller offered condolences to the family, stressing that the U.S. expects Israel to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation. He reiterated that the State Department itself does not have the authority to initiate or direct a criminal investigation in this matter—such investigations would fall under the purview of the Department of Justice (DOJ). Without the DOJ’s initiative, the State Department cannot promise an independent U.S. inquiry, nor can it compel another agency to act. However, Miller has previously called for investigations in other contexts, such as urging a full investigation into election-related violations in Georgia’s October 2024 elections and joining international calls for investigations into human rights abuses in various countries. This shows that the U.S. State Department has no problem suggesting legal action that would be taken by another branch.

In response to queries about the appropriateness of encouraging another federal department to take action, Miller stated that doing so would violate norms against commenting on or directing the operations of another agency. He reaffirmed the State Department’s intention to demand accountability and transparency from Israeli authorities, stating, “We expect Israel to brief us, and if we do not get satisfactory answers, we will push for more answers.”

Differential Treatment and Accountability Concerns

The victim’s family has lamented what they perceive as “differential treatment,” given that an American citizen was killed in a situation where, as they argue, American-supplied weapons were involved. They have expressed feelings of abandonment and hopelessness, underscoring the emotional toll these incidents have on grieving families who expect their government to defend their interests. Since October 7, 2023, the U.S. government has provided a record $17.9 billion in military aid to Israel, including military financing, arms sales, and drawdowns from U.S. stockpiles.

Miller acknowledged the depth of the family’s frustration and their right to be angry. He noted that if he were in their position, he would feel similarly. He also emphasized the U.S. government’s view that the killing was “unacceptable” and stressed that the State Department would continue to demand accountability from Israel.

Longstanding Tensions and Precedents

This incident does not stand alone. The family’s attorney noted that other American citizens have been killed by Israeli forces without what they consider to be adequate follow-up from the U.S. government. For example, in 2003, Rachel Corrie, an American activist, was killed by an Israeli bulldozer in Gaza. Her family sought justice through U.S. courts, but the case was dismissed, and the U.S. government did not pursue further action. Similarly, in 2014, Tariq Abu Khdeir, a Palestinian-American teenager, was beaten by Israeli police. The U.S. condemned the incident and called for an investigation, but no significant actions were taken beyond diplomatic protests.

Protestors and human rights advocates have pointed to a pattern: American officials often call for patience and promise action once investigations conclude, but outcomes have rarely satisfied the families’ demands for justice.

Looking Forward

The State Department’s stance—waiting for the Israeli investigation to conclude—may well define the tenor of U.S.-Israeli relations on this matter in the coming weeks and months. If the Israeli investigation does not provide what the U.S. government deems “appropriate answers,” officials have pledged to demand more, suggesting that diplomatic pressure could mount.

Still, the family’s skepticism remains. They see a government that, while offering condolences and affirming the unacceptability of the act, has yet to assert its own investigative authority. This raises the question: does the U.S. State Department carry its loyalties with Israel or with its citizens? The American people depend on their government to offer such protections, especially while abroad. The actions of the United States government in response to the deaths of American civilians in Israel perhaps point to an answer the government doesn’t want to admit, and the people aren’t willing to acknowledge.