US Condemns Israeli Settler Attack on Washington Post Photographer
Ambassador Mike Huckabee calls the assault on Heidi Levine in the West Bank a 'despicable act of terror'.
The United States has condemned an attack by Israeli settlers on veteran Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine in the West Bank, with US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee labeling the incident a "despicable act of terror."
Levine, 63, was seriously injured on Friday in the village of Abu Falah while accompanying a group of Palestinians. She reported being forced to the ground and beaten for over ten minutes by settlers who then stole her camera, passport, and phone. The award-winning photojournalist remained hospitalized in Tel Aviv on Sunday, undergoing surgery for a broken hand and recovering from broken ribs and other injuries. Huckabee stated that Levine was clearly identifiable as a journalist at the time of the assault.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered a measured response, condemning "violence against anyone" but referring to the attack as "alleged."
On Sunday, the European Union also issued criticism following a separate incident where settlers attacked a convoy of diplomats and assaulted the mayor of a French town who was present for the annual olive harvest. "We urge Israel to fully abide by International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law," the EU stated. The 78-year-old French mayor, Bernard Baudoux, reported being subjected to defamatory comments and physical assault with iron bars by masked settlers.
"If settlers are behaving like this, there is a tolerance on the part of the Israeli government," Baudoux commented.