US Secretary of State Rubio Expresses Concern Over West Bank Settler Violence
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed deep concern over recent images of settler violence in the West Bank, stating the administration does not want to see a new flare-up. His comments followed an attack on Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine, condemned by the U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Settlers also reportedly attacked Palestinian olive harvesters, with diplomats present, drawing condemnation from Poland and Belgium, which called for EU sanctions against violent settlers.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is troubled by images of settler violence in the West Bank.
- Rubio stated the U.S. administration does not want to see a new crisis or flare-up in the West Bank.
- The U.S. Ambassador to Israel condemned the attack on Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine as a "cowardly act of terror."
- Settlers reportedly attacked Palestinian olive harvesters in Taybeh, near Ramallah, while diplomats were present.
- Poland and Belgium condemned the attacks and called for accountability and EU sanctions against violent settlers.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated late Saturday that he is troubled by images of settler violence in the West Bank. Speaking before departing for India, Rubio indicated that the Trump administration continues to urge the Israeli government to act against such violence. "The President has been very clear, and he has said this several times," Rubio said. "He does not want to see friction or crisis in the West Bank. The President does not want to see a new flare-up."
Rubio mentioned he had learned of the recent incidents, including the attack on Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine, through media reports. "We have checked this with the embassy in Israel and we are supposed to receive a cable on the subject later today or tomorrow with everything they know about it, but it certainly does not look good, it is all very disturbing," he stated.
The U.S. is closely monitoring events in the West Bank during the olive harvest period. Rubio's remarks followed a strong condemnation of the attack on Levine by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who called it a "cowardly act of terror" and stated the perpetrators should face lengthy prison sentences.
Just a day after the attack on Levine, settlers reportedly attacked Palestinian residents harvesting olives in the village of Taybeh, near Ramallah. According to media reports and documentation, the masked settlers attacked the harvesters in Area B. French diplomats, including the French Consul in Jerusalem, along with Belgian and Polish diplomats, were present and escorting the harvesters. The diplomats claimed the settlers smashed a window of the Belgian consulate's vehicle. The incident drew sharp condemnation from the Polish Foreign Ministry, which called the attacks "completely unacceptable" and demanded explanations and accountability from Israeli authorities.
Belgium's Foreign Minister echoed these sentiments, condemning the incident and calling for the European Union to impose sanctions on those responsible for the violence and their supporters, urging an end to the impunity enjoyed by violent settlers.
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