Washington Post journalist hospitalized after settler attack in West Bank

A Washington Post photojournalist was hospitalized after Israeli settlers attacked her and a group of Palestinians during the annual olive harvest in the occupied West Bank. The assault took place on Friday in the village of Abu Falah, near Ramallah.

The Attack on Heidi Levine

Heidi Levine, a veteran photojournalist on assignment for The Washington Post, was beaten by a group of masked settlers. Levine stated that the group of Palestinians she was with began to retreat when they saw dozens of settlers running toward them.

In a video statement, Levine said settlers kicked her while she was on the ground. “I had my camera bag and my pouch with my passport, and my telephone was on a rope around my neck and they broke that off me, and they broke my cameras off me, and they broke my bag, and they kept kicking me,” said Levine, who estimated the attack lasted 10 minutes. “Just absolute craziness, and I didn’t see anybody trying to stop it.”

Levine added, “I don’t know how a parent can raise such a monster. They’re not even humans, and yes, they are Jewish terrorists.” She further stated, “And you know what? Sadly, none of them will be prosecuted. I am sure of it.”

The Washington Post said Levine was wearing “visible markings clearly identifying her as a journalist” during the attack. Executive editor Matt Murray said, “We are outraged by this unwarranted attack on a journalist doing her job and urge a thorough investigation and follow-through from authorities.”

Wider Violence During Olive Harvest

The attack on Levine was part of a broader wave of violence against Palestinians during the olive harvest. The Palestine Red Crescent Society said it was treating two people after they were beaten by settlers: a 63-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man. Palestinian authorities reported attacks in eight villages and injuries among at least 20 people.

The Guardian reported that at least 80 settlers, some carrying firearms or clubs, gathered in Abu Falah to stop Palestinians from harvesting olives. When some Palestinians picked up rocks to defend themselves, the Israeli military fired teargas in their direction. The Foreign Press Association (FPA) condemned the attack, stating, “This is the latest in a long line of violent attacks by Israeli settlers against journalists and other civilians in the occupied West Bank. Yet our repeated calls for action to confront this lawlessness have been ignored by Israeli authorities.”

The UN says the past two weeks have seen more attacks by violent Israeli settlers than during the entire harvest season last year. According to the UN, settler attacks this year have so far killed one Palestinian and injured more than 120 others across the West Bank.

Official Responses

Israel Police opened an investigation after receiving reports of the attack. In a statement, police said they “view any act of violence with great severity, particularly when it involves members of the media carrying out their work.”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they would examine “all circumstances” around the incident. “Attempts to incite friction between populations undermine security in the area,” the IDF said. “Attacks and violence against innocent civilians are grave and unacceptable acts.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on X that “serious questions remain” regarding the attack. His office suggested the attack was the fault of “200 Arabs and far-left activists” who confronted Israeli youths. Netanyahu’s office added that Israel “unequivocally condemns violence against anyone.”

Gadi Eisenkot, a rival in the upcoming elections, called the attack on Levine “unacceptable” and said these acts “stain an entire nation.”

A US Embassy spokesperson said the US was in regular dialogue with partners about improving stability and security in the West Bank. “We condemn criminal violence by any party in the West Bank and call for investigations, arrests, and convictions of those responsible,” the spokesperson said. The US State Department said it had reached out to The Washington Post to offer consular assistance.

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Sources

• cnn.com: Washington Post journalist hospitalized after Israeli settler attack on Palestinian olive harvest in West Bank | CNN Business
• theguardian.com: Israeli settlers attack olive farmers and Washington Post journalist in West Bank | West Bank | The Guardian
• bbc.com: Palestinians and US journalist injured by Israeli settlers in West Bank harvest attack
• dailycaller.com: ‘I’m Going To Die’: Video Shows Israeli Settlers Brutally Attacking WaPo Journalist, Beating Her With Clubs | The Daily Caller

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.