Israel Police and Shin Bet Intensify Search for Jewish Attackers After Journalist Assault

Israeli police and the Shin Bet are intensifying their investigation into settler violence incidents that occurred over the weekend, including the assault of an American journalist and attacks on diplomats in the West Bank. The goal is to apprehend those involved and bring them to justice.

Among the incidents, American photojournalist Heidi Levine, 63, who works with The Washington Post, was attacked by Jewish assailants during an olive harvest near Ramallah. Levine, a resident of Jerusalem who has covered the region since 1983, was hospitalized with injuries to her hands and legs. She reported being beaten and kicked repeatedly by a group of attackers.

In a separate event, masked Israelis attacked European diplomats participating in an olive harvest near the village of Taybeh in the Ramallah district. A convoy of diplomatic vehicles was blocked, and a Belgian diplomat's car window was reportedly smashed. Polish diplomats were also reportedly blocked.

The commander of the Judea and Samaria region police is closely monitoring the investigations, assigning both incidents to the district's Central Unit and emphasizing the importance of intelligence and investigative cooperation with the Shin Bet. Additional investigators have been assigned to expedite the process.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the settler violence, stating that President Trump does not want to see a crisis in the West Bank and has asked Israel to act firmly against these phenomena. He expressed deep concern over the images and events, noting that the removal of sanctions does not imply support for the ongoing violence.

The Prime Minister's office issued a statement calling for caution before drawing conclusions from the reports, emphasizing that while all violence against diplomats is unacceptable, serious accusations require solid evidence.