Police Cite Lack of Cooperation From Diplomats in Attack Probe
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Israeli police are struggling to gather evidence from European diplomats attacked by Jewish assailants during an olive harvest, citing a lack of cooperation. No arrests have been made, and investigators are seeking detailed testimonies and forensic evidence. The incidents also include an attack on American photographer Heidi Levine, who sustained serious injuries. Police and the Shin Bet are investigating both cases, with commanders emphasizing inter-agency cooperation. Diplomats criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu's response, which they found to be dismissive of the attack's severity.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Police report a lack of cooperation from European diplomats attacked during an olive harvest near Ramallah.
- No suspects have been arrested for the attacks on the diplomats or American photographer Heidi Levine.
- Heidi Levine sustained serious injuries including a fractured rib and spinal fractures.
- Investigators are seeking detailed testimonies and forensic evidence to identify the assailants.
- Diplomats criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu's response to the attacks as "shocking."
Israeli police are reportedly facing a lack of cooperation from European diplomats who were attacked by Jewish assailants during an olive harvest near Ramallah on Saturday. No suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack on the diplomats, nor in the separate assault on American photographer Heidi Levine the previous day.
Police investigators are continuing to gather evidence from the incident in Taybeh village. The Judea and Samaria Police District has contacted the Foreign Ministry to request assistance from the diplomats' home countries in obtaining testimonies, but cooperation has been minimal. Investigators have requested detailed testimonies, photographic materials, access to vehicles, and forensic evidence to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
In the case of Levine, who was attacked in the Palestinian village of Abu Falah, police and the Shin Bet security agency are working to identify the suspects. Levine underwent surgery for a deep cut to her hand, a fractured rib, and spinal fractures. Her daughter described the severity of her injuries.
Commander of the Judea and Samaria Police District, Moshe Finchi, is closely overseeing the investigations into the violent incidents that occurred over the weekend. The investigation into both the attack on Levine and the diplomats has been assigned to the Central District's special investigative unit, with enhanced cooperation from the Shin Bet.
One diplomat present at the olive harvest in Taybeh described the attackers as seven adult men who appeared to have been specifically summoned. He recounted how they kicked the French mayor, who was injured, and attacked a Belgian vehicle. The diplomat expressed shock at the violence, especially given that the area is under Israeli control, and noted that the residents had invited the diplomats and peace activists for protection.
Diplomats involved expressed anger over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's response, which they found "shocking." While Israeli security officials and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that "Israeli rioters" were responsible, the Prime Minister's office issued a statement in English casting doubt on the European version of events. A diplomat present stated that Netanyahu's political background was irrelevant and that his statement ignored the fact that the attack occurred in a Christian village with a delegation from Catholic countries.
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