US Urges Israel to Deter Settler Violence After Journalist Attack

The United States has called on the Israeli government to take further steps to curb settler violence in the West Bank, following the release of a video showing an attack on American photojournalist Heidi Levine. Levine, who works for The Washington Post, was targeted during an assault on Palestinian civilians. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Saturday that Washington is deeply concerned by the circulating footage and has repeatedly asked Israel to implement measures to deter such attacks and prevent their recurrence. Rubio added that the State Department has inquired about the circumstances of Levine's assault and expects a response from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem by Sunday. The incident occurred on Friday when Levine, along with at least one other person, was injured during an attack by Israeli settlers on Palestinian civilians. In a related development, the Belgian Foreign Minister reported that European diplomats and a French mayor were also attacked in the West Bank, indicating a broader pattern of incidents targeting individuals in the region. The Israeli organization Yesh Din, which monitors settler-related violence, reported that settlers have been involved in at least 170 attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank since September 27, coinciding with the olive harvest season. These events come amid ongoing international demands for action to limit settler violence, with concerns rising over the safety of Palestinians, journalists, and foreign nationals in the area.