Israeli authorities have announced the apprehension of ten individuals linked to a series of settler violence incidents targeting a foreign journalist and European diplomats in the occupied West Bank. The attacks, which occurred during the annual Palestinian olive harvest season, led to strong international condemnation towards Israel. Specific details about the suspects and their roles in the assaults were not disclosed by Israeli police.
Photographer Heidi Levine from The Washington Post was assaulted by a group of young male settlers in the village of Abu Falah, resulting in severe injuries including broken ribs, vertebrae, and a nearly severed finger that required surgery. Additionally, she sustained apparent stab wounds to her lower body that needed stitches. The following day, masked settlers launched an attack on a group of European diplomats and other visitors in the Christian village of Taybeh.
Authorities stated that they have been gathering evidence and testimonies since the attacks and have initiated questioning of the suspects. The investigation involved collaboration between the Shin Bet internal security agency, the border police force, and the Israeli military. The operation on Monday also targeted individuals suspected of contravening military orders regarding a closed military zone and engaging in illegal construction activities. Several vehicles and items linking the suspects to the alleged offenses were seized.
Settler violence has been on the rise in recent years, with rights organizations noting a lack of arrests or convictions for attacks on Palestinians. Numerous Palestinians have been victims of violence during the current olive harvest, with reports of attacks and destruction of olive trees, a significant aspect of Palestinian history and heritage.
Among the diplomats targeted in the attacks were Belgium’s consul general, French and Polish diplomats, and Catholic representatives. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot emphasized the need to end impunity for violent settlers. Photographer Heidi Levine expressed disappointment in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for questioning the attack despite clear evidence, while praising President Isaac Herzog and former security officials for condemning settler violence.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee condemned the assault as a “despicable act of terror” perpetrated by masked individuals and called for severe punishment. Netanyahu, facing upcoming elections, is confronting renewed international criticism over settlement activities in the West Bank, deemed illegal by much of the global community. Netanyahu’s political rival, Gadi Eisenkot, criticized the situation, stating that a few individuals are eroding Israel’s remaining legitimacy.