Washington Post Photographer Attacked by Jewish Settlers in West Bank

Palestinian reports claim dozens of Jewish rioters, some masked, set fire to olive trees and threw stones at Palestinians harvesting olives in the village of Abu Falah, near Ramallah, on Friday. Two people were injured in the incident, including Heidi Levine, a photographer for the American newspaper The Washington Post. Both injured individuals were evacuated to a hospital in Ramallah.

The IDF stated that all details of the incident are being investigated. Forces present at the scene used crowd-dispersal methods to break up the friction. In a separate point of friction, soldiers fired into the air and then at a suspect who ran towards them with a sharp object, posing a threat. The suspect was identified as a Palestinian.

The spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem condemned the attack on the American photographer, stating that the Trump administration prioritizes the safety of Americans abroad and is monitoring the situation. The embassy is in constant dialogue with partners to improve stability and security in the West Bank and condemns criminal violence from all sides, calling for investigations, arrests, and convictions.

According to Palestinian accounts, approximately 80 Jewish rioters descended on the olive grove, setting fire to trees and throwing stones. Palestinians reportedly threw stones back in self-defense. One farmer told Reuters that the settlers aimed to attack and displace them. Levine, who lives in Jerusalem and has covered Middle East conflicts since 1983, suffered an arm injury. Her vehicle was reportedly destroyed and her camera equipment stolen. She described being "thrown to the ground" and kicked repeatedly, estimating at least 50 kicks. She credited her protective vest and helmet for saving her life and expressed disbelief at the perpetrators' actions, calling them "Jewish terrorists."

The Washington Post's Editor-in-Chief, Matt Murray, called for a thorough investigation, emphasizing that Levine was clearly identifiable as a journalist. He expressed anger over the "unjustified attack" and called for authorities to take action. The Binyamin Regional Council, however, claimed the incident was an organized provocation by the Palestinian Authority, involving hundreds of "anarchists and terrorists" who initiated direct confrontations with Israelis. They alleged that Palestinian Authority vehicles were present and that Palestinian activists were seen firing fireworks and throwing stones. The council also stated that extremist left-wing activists intended to provoke confrontations under the guise of the olive harvest for a campaign against settler violence.

Police confirmed an investigation into "friction" in Abu Falah and Turmus Ayya, where stones were allegedly thrown and vehicles set on fire. Forensic investigators, accompanied by IDF forces, collected evidence and testimonies. Police and the IDF stated they take all violence seriously, especially against media personnel, and will act to investigate and prosecute those involved. Reports also emerged of Jewish rioters attacking olive harvesters in Burqa, near Nablus, with the Palestinian Red Crescent reporting four injured.