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

The United States ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, expressed strong condemnation following a violent attack on an American journalist during an incident in the West Bank olive harvest. Heidi Levine, a photojournalist for the Washington Post, was beaten by settlers during an attack on Friday, which also resulted in injuries to several Palestinians.

Huckabee’s response came through social media, where he described the attack on Levine as both “vicious” and “cowardly.” Emphasizing her status as an American citizen and a journalist, he called for those involved in the attack to spend years in prison. He urged for a thorough investigation, the arrest of the assailants, and their subsequent prosecution.

The attack, according to Huckabee’s post, was not only a “despicable act of terror” but also showcased “senseless violence” carried out by masked individuals. The attack occurred near the Palestinian village of Abu Falah, where footage revealed approximately 20 masked men descending into an olive grove from an area near an Israeli settlement outpost.

Additional video footage shared by the Israel-based Foreign Press Association depicted Levine being surrounded, pushed to the ground, and beaten. Her camera equipment was seized during the assault. The Washington Post confirmed the incident, stating Levine was repeatedly kicked, robbed, and despite wearing a protective vest marked ‘PRESS,’ her equipment was taken.

In response to the attack, both Israel’s police and military have initiated investigations. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned violence but labeled the attack as “alleged,” noting the details remain unclear.

Levine, a veteran photojournalist known for her wartime coverage, is recovering in a Tel Aviv hospital following the attack. She sustained hand injuries requiring surgery, broken ribs, and other injuries, having been assaulted for over ten minutes.