Israeli President Apologizes to Washington Post Photographer Attacked in West Bank

President Isaac Herzog spoke on Saturday evening with Heidi Levine, a photographer for The Washington Post, who was reportedly attacked the previous day in the Benjamin region. During their conversation, Herzog expressed deep sorrow over the incident, apologized to Levine, and strongly condemned the violence.

Levine, 63, spoke with Herzog following the incident in which, according to the President's Residence, she was attacked by rioters in the Benjamin area. "As President of the State of Israel, I strongly condemn this outrageous and appalling phenomenon of violence, both in the terrible attack you experienced and in other serious cases like what happened today in Tayibe," Herzog stated. He added that the events had occupied his thoughts throughout the Sabbath, saying, "I was morally tormented during the Sabbath thinking about it, and I express deep sorrow and apologize for what you went through. The despicable behavior of these criminals does not represent the citizens or values of the State of Israel."

Herzog emphasized the need to prosecute those responsible for the violence and called on security and law enforcement agencies to act decisively. "Israel is a democratic country of law and must act with an iron fist against any phenomenon of violence," the President said. He noted that authorities are investigating the circumstances of the events and that it is necessary to await the investigation's findings. He also stated his expectation that all authorized bodies would act to locate and prosecute those involved.

At the end of the conversation, Herzog wished Levine a speedy recovery, saying, "We all embrace you and your family, and I wish you, on behalf of the entire nation, strong health and a quick recovery."