Photographer Attacked in West Bank Feels Insulted by Netanyahu's Reaction

A photographer for The Washington Post who sustained broken vertebrae after being attacked by Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank said she felt insulted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's initial characterization of the incident. Heidi Levine stated Sunday that the prime minister's use of the word "alleged" was dismissive, especially given the evidence.

Levine described the attack, which occurred during the sensitive olive harvest season, as the work of "Jewish terrorists." She was recovering from injuries that included what appeared to be stab wounds in her buttocks. Her helmet and vest, marked "PRESS," likely prevented more serious harm during the assault, which she said involved attackers kicking her for approximately 10 minutes while she tried to protect her equipment.

In contrast to Netanyahu's response, Levine noted the sharp condemnation she received from Israel's president, Isaac Herzog, who called her, expressed shame over the attack, and referred to the perpetrators as "thugs." A letter signed by over a dozen former Israeli security and intelligence officials, including former Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, also expressed deep shame and concern over "Jewish terrorists" inflicting suffering and attacking those who document their conduct.

Netanyahu's government, which is heavily influenced by West Bank settlers and their supporters, has often attributed settler violence to a small number of troublemakers. This stance has drawn increasing international criticism, as many nations consider West Bank settlements illegal. Hundreds of Palestinians have been attacked, and some killed, during the current olive harvest, with reports of olive trees being destroyed.

Levine, who has covered the region for over 40 years, stated she has never seen Israel in its current state and expressed frustration over the apparent lack of protection for Palestinians from settler violence. Rights groups report that few settlers are ever held accountable for such attacks, which have surged in recent years.

U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee condemned the attack on Levine as a "despicable act of terror" and called for the perpetrators to face lengthy prison sentences. Other political figures, including former general and opposition leader Yair Golan, and Gadi Eisenkot, a rival of Netanyahu, have also criticized the escalating settler violence and its impact on Israel's legitimacy.

Despite her injuries, Levine expressed her determination to return to work, stating, "They cracked my bones, they haven't cracked my spirit."