U.S. Ambassador Condemns Attack on Journalist in West Bank

The United States ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has strongly condemned a violent attack on an American journalist during the olive harvest in the West Bank. In a social media statement, he described the incident as a ‘vicious & cowardly’ act. The attack targeted Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine, who clearly identified herself as a journalist. Several Palestinians were also injured during this attack.

Huckabee expressed his outrage, stating that those responsible should face years in prison. He urged for a thorough investigation, the arrest, and prosecution of the individuals involved. He emphasized that attacking a female photographer is a ‘despicable act of terror carried out by masked cowards,’ and labeled it a ‘dishonorable act of senseless violence.’

Heidi Levine, known for her extensive coverage of conflict zones over four decades, spoke to journalists from her hospital bed after the attack. She sustained multiple injuries inflicted by Israeli militant settlers as she documented Palestinians harvesting olives. Video footage of the incident, acquired by CBS News, depicted approximately 20 masked men descending a hill from the direction of an Israeli settlement outpost. The men, dressed in black or gray, attacked an olive grove near Abu Falah, a Palestinian village.

The Foreign Press Association released a video showing Levine surrounded, pushed to the ground, and beaten by masked men who also stole her camera equipment. The Washington Post confirmed the assault, detailing how Levine was knocked down, repeatedly kicked, and robbed of her cameras and phone. At the time, she wore a protective vest marked ‘PRESS’ and a helmet.

Both Israel’s police and military have launched investigations into the event. In response to the occurrence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced ‘violence against anyone,’ but he referred to the attack as ‘alleged’ and noted that the circumstances remain unclear.

Levine is currently hospitalized in Tel Aviv, recovering from hand surgery, broken ribs, and other injuries. She recounted being forced to the ground and beaten for over ten minutes. The attackers also stole her camera, passport, and phone.