US Ambassador Denounces 'Despicable Act of Terror' After Journalist Attacked in West Bank
Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine sustained serious injuries during an olive harvest attack.
The U.S. ambassador to Israel has sharply condemned a settler attack during an olive harvest in the West Bank that injured several Palestinians and Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine, calling it a "despicable act of terror carried out by masked cowards."
Ambassador Mike Huckabee posted on X, formerly Twitter, late Saturday that he called for "a full investigation, arrest, and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law to whoever participated in this." The attack occurred Friday in the West Bank village of Abu Falah.
Levine, an award-winning photojournalist with over four decades of experience covering conflict zones, remains hospitalized in Tel Aviv recovering from hand surgery, broken ribs, and other injuries. She stated that settlers beat her for more than 10 minutes and stole her camera, passport, and phone.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Levine's assault, condemning "violence against anyone" but referring to the attack as "alleged" and stating its circumstances remained unclear. Huckabee countered that Levine's assault was "vicious" and "dishonorable," noting that she was clearly identified as a journalist when attacked.
This incident follows an attack by Israeli settlers on European diplomats in another West Bank village on Saturday. Settler violence against Palestinians has increased significantly this year, with a notable spike in recent weeks.
The Washington Post reiterated its call for a full and transparent investigation into the assault. However, Israeli rights group Yesh Din reports that approximately 94% of investigations into settler violence since 2005 have concluded without indictments, and only about 3% have led to full or partial convictions.
In separate Middle East news, two helicopter pilots were killed Sunday in Saudi Arabia near the border with Yemen due to a technical malfunction, according to a Saudi military spokesperson. The helicopter crashed near the city of Najran. The Houthis claimed responsibility for downing the helicopter, though the Saudi military cited a technical issue.
Two projectiles also struck a vessel transiting off the United Arab Emirates early Sunday, wounding one person, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. The tug sustained damage but continued its route. The UKMTO did not identify the vessel, and no group claimed responsibility for the attack in the Gulf of Oman.