Washington Post Photographer Heidi Levine Attacked, Daughter Fears Career End

Photojournalist Heidi Levine of The Washington Post underwent surgery and is recovering after being attacked by suspected far-right activists near the Palestinian village of Abu Falah. Levine's daughter, Ashley Milner, stated in an interview with "Kan Bet" that her mother, who has covered wars and conflicts since 1983, was on what she believed to be a routine assignment when the assault occurred. She was transported to the hospital by ambulance, diagnosed with multiple injuries including fractures to four vertebrae and one rib, and a nearly severed finger.

According to Levine, approximately 15 masked assailants wearing kippahs attacked her. They knocked her to the ground, beat her with clubs and boards containing nails, kicked her repeatedly, and repeatedly lifted and threw her down. An American journalist named Jasper intervened and saved her from further assault.

Milner expressed concern that the attack could end her mother's journalistic career. She also noted that her mother was particularly hurt by social media comments accusing her of being a leftist and deserving the attack. "My mom just came to do her journalistic work. Now we are focused on her recovery, but we understand that this attack could change her whole life," Milner said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the attack, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. He did not assign blame to any specific party pending a full investigation, noting reports of clashes between approximately 200 Arabs and left-wing activists and 40 young Israelis.