US Demands Israel Act Forcefully Against Settler Violence

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Sunday that the United States expects Israel to take further steps to prevent settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank. His remarks followed the release of footage showing individuals assaulting Heidi Levine, an American photographer for The Washington Post. "We are very concerned about these images and what we are seeing," Rubio told reporters, adding, "We have asked the Israelis, and we continue to ask them, to deal firmly with these matters."

The State Department has investigated the incident and is awaiting an update from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also commented, writing that the attackers' identities are under investigation and that those who assault an unarmed correspondent should face lengthy prison sentences. He called for a full investigation, arrests, and prosecution of all involved, labeling the assault on Levine a "despicable act of terrorism by cowardly masked men" and "a shameful act of senseless violence."

Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke with Heidi Levine, expressing his deep regret and apologizing for her experience. He stated that the perpetrators' "despicable behavior does not represent the citizens and values of the State of Israel." Herzog urged all government, security, and law enforcement agencies to use all available means to thoroughly investigate, apprehend the lawbreakers, and fully enforce the law against them.

Levine reported that she was attacked and robbed by settlers near Ramallah on Friday, despite wearing a press vest. She described being repeatedly kicked by the attackers. The article also mentions separate incidents of settlers burning homes and vehicles in the West Bank villages of Jalud and Al-Mughayyir, and cutting electricity to the Masoudia area for the fifth time.