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

The U.S. ambassador to Israel has strongly criticized an attack on an American journalist during the olive harvest in the West Bank. This attack involved an American photojournalist being beaten by settlers.

On Saturday, Ambassador Mike Huckabee used social media to call the attack on Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine ‘vicious and cowardly.’ He emphasized that Levine is an American citizen who clearly identified herself as a journalist during the incident. The assault resulted in injuries to several Palestinians as well.

‘Those who attacked an unarmed reporter should spend years in prison,’ Huckabee stated. He called for a thorough investigation, arrest, and prosecution of the attackers. He labeled the attack on the female photographer as a ‘despicable act of terror’ by ‘masked cowards’ and condemned it as a ‘dishonorable act of senseless violence.’

Following the attack, Levine addressed journalists from the hospital. She had sustained multiple injuries after settlers targeted Palestinians in an olive grove. Ali Sawafta from REUTERS captured Levine’s condition in the aftermath.

CBS News obtained video evidence of around 20 masked men, dressed in black and gray, approaching the olive grove from an Israeli settlement outpost. They attacked Levine, pushing her to the ground, taking her camera equipment, and beating her.

The Israel-based Foreign Press Association shared footage showing Levine surrounded and assaulted, despite her protective gear marked ‘PRESS’. Her cameras and phone were stolen.

The Washington Post confirmed on Friday that Levine was knocked down, repeatedly kicked, and robbed, even while wearing protective gear. Investigations into the incident have been initiated by Israeli police and military.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned all violence but referred to the attack as ‘alleged,’ noting that details remain unclear.

Levine, an experienced photojournalist with more than four decades covering global conflict zones, is currently recovering in a Tel Aviv hospital. She underwent surgery for hand injuries and suffered broken ribs and other injuries during the attack. Levine reported being subdued and beaten for over 10 minutes. The settlers also stole her camera, passport, and phone.