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

The U.S. ambassador to Israel denounced an attack during the olive harvest in the West Bank, where an American journalist was assaulted. Ambassador Mike Huckabee criticized the assault on photojournalist Heidi Levine from the Washington Post, labeling it “vicious and cowardly.” He emphasized she was an American citizen and had clearly identified as a journalist.

On Friday, alongside Levine, several Palestinians were also harmed in the confrontation. Ambassador Huckabee expressed in a social media post that the attackers should face “years in prison.” He mentioned demanding a “full investigation, arrest, and prosecution” of those responsible. He described the attack on the female photographer as a “despicable act of terror.”

Heidi Levine, speaking from a hospital, detailed the injuries she sustained during the attack, which was carried out by militant settlers from Israel as Palestinians harvested olives. The event took place near the Palestinian village of Abu Falah.

A CBS News video illustrated approximately 20 masked individuals dressed in dark clothing descending a hill from an Israeli settlement outpost. The attackers surrounded Levine, knocked her to the ground, and stole her camera gear.

The Foreign Press Association’s video showed Levine being surrounded, pushed down, and beaten while her equipment was taken. The Washington Post’s statement confirmed Levine was attacked despite wearing protective gear marked as “PRESS.” They reported she was kicked repeatedly and robbed.

Israeli authorities announced that investigations are underway. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned “violence against anyone” but referred to the incident as “alleged,” indicating the details remain uncertain.

Levine, with a career spanning over four decades covering conflict zones, remains hospitalized in Tel Aviv. She is recovering from hand surgery, broken ribs, and other injuries. Levine reported the attackers beat her for over 10 minutes, additionally stealing her camera, passport, and phone.