United States Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has demanded Israel prosecute and jail those responsible for the attack on Washington Post journalist Heidi Levine in the occupied West Bank.
"Attacking a female photographer is a despicable act of terror carried out by masked cowards," Huckabee wrote on X on Saturday. "Those who attacked unarmed reporter should spend YRS in prison." He added: "We have called for a full investigation, arrest, and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law to whoever participated in this."
Levine, 64, was covering Palestinians' annual olive harvest on Friday in the occupied West Bank when Israeli settlers brutally attacked her and several Palestinians, according to witnesses. The perpetrators, armed with bottles and slingshots, beat her and stole her passport, telephone, wallet and equipment.
"They were kicking me for like 10 minutes, and I was trying to hold onto my cameras and my bag," Levine said.
Independent journalist Jasper Nathaniel, who witnessed the attack, told Al Jazeera that Levine "was in very, very bad shape. She couldn't really get up off the ground."
Levine was taken to hospital after the assault in Abu Falah, northeast of Ramallah. She underwent surgery on her finger, which was nearly detached from her hand, and was left with a broken rib and multiple broken vertebrae, as well as lacerations, her daughter told The Associated Press.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces closely fought elections on October 27 and is seeking to shore up his pro-settlement right-wing base, claimed on Friday that Palestinians or "far-left" activists may have been responsible for the attack on Levine and other Palestinians.
Huckabee, a staunch ally of Israel known for his criticism of Israeli settler policy, drew a sharp contrast with Netanyahu's remarks.
Why This Matters
- The attack on an American journalist and the US ambassador's demand put pressure on Israel to act against settler violence at a time of heightened international scrutiny.
- The incident underscores the dangers faced by journalists covering the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly during the vulnerable olive harvest season when settler attacks on Palestinians and foreign observers are common.
- The differing responses from the US ambassador and the Israeli prime minister highlight political tensions within Israel's government as elections approach.
Background
Settler violence in the occupied West Bank has long been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Every year during the olive harvest, Palestinian farmers face intimidation and attacks from Israeli settlers, who are often armed and sometimes operate with impunity. International journalists and human rights observers routinely document these incidents. The US has historically condemned settler violence, but its diplomatic pressure has varied depending on the administration. Ambassador Huckabee, a former Republican politician and staunch supporter of Israeli settlements, has taken a notably firm stance in this case.
Key Perspectives
The United States and Ambassador Huckabee: They demand full investigation and prosecution, calling the attack terrorism and emphasising the need to hold perpetrators accountable. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: He cast doubt on settler responsibility, suggesting Palestinians or far-left activists could be behind the assault, a position that aligns with his pro-settlement political base ahead of the October 27 elections. Journalists and press freedom advocates: The attack highlights the risks journalists face in the West Bank, where reporting on settler violence can draw retaliation. Witnesses have provided consistent accounts pointing to settlers as the attackers.
What to Watch
- Whether Israeli authorities open a formal investigation and arrest suspects, and how that process is handled given the political climate.
- The outcome of Israel's October 27 elections and whether they affect the government's approach to settler violence and US relations.
- Reactions from the Washington Post, the US State Department, and international press freedom organisations, and whether further diplomatic measures follow.