US Demands Israel Crack Down on Settler Violence After Photographer Assault
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Israel to take stronger action against settler violence in the West Bank following the assault on American photographer Heidi Levine. Ambassador Mike Hagge demanded a full investigation and prosecution, while President Isaac Herzog apologized to Levine and urged Israeli authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. The IDF plans to increase its forces in the region to improve stability.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Israel to act forcefully against settler violence.
- American photographer Heidi Levine reported being attacked and robbed by settlers near Ramallah.
- U.S. Ambassador Mike Hagge demanded a full investigation and prosecution of those involved.
- Israeli President Isaac Herzog apologized to Levine and called for justice.
- The IDF will reinforce forces in Judea and Samaria to stabilize the area.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States expects Israel to take stronger action against settler violence in the West Bank. His remarks followed recent attacks in Judea and Samaria, including the assault on Heidi Levine, an American photographer for The Washington Post. Rubio expressed deep concern over footage showing Levine being attacked and robbed by settlers near Ramallah while wearing a press vest.
"We are very concerned by these images and what we are seeing," Rubio told reporters. "We have asked the Israelis, and we continue to ask them, to act with a strong hand against these things." The State Department is investigating the incident and awaiting an update from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Hagge also condemned the attack, calling it a "despicable act of cowardly, masked violence" and demanding a full investigation, arrests, and prosecution. He stated that anyone who attacks an unarmed reporter should serve many years in prison.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke with Levine, offering his deep regret and apology for her experience. He emphasized that the perpetrators' behavior does not represent Israel and urged all government and security bodies to thoroughly investigate and bring the offenders to justice.
The Israeli military (IDF) plans to reinforce its forces in Judea and Samaria to stabilize the area. The Prime Minister's Office, in response to claims of attacks on diplomats, stated that serious accusations require solid evidence.
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