Israel Police Fail to Arrest Settler Attackers on Diplomats
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Israeli police have made no arrests following settler attacks on European diplomats and American journalist Heidi Levine near Ramallah. Police claim diplomatic missions are not cooperating with investigations, a charge denied by the article. Levine sustained serious injuries during an attack by over 50 masked settlers. The US Ambassador condemned the assault and called for arrests, while US Secretary of State requested Israel take preventative measures.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli police have not arrested any suspects in settler attacks on diplomats and a journalist.
- Police claim diplomatic missions are not cooperating with investigations into the attacks.
- American journalist Heidi Levine sustained serious injuries during a settler assault.
- The US Ambassador to Israel condemned the attack and demanded arrests and prosecution.
- Attacks occurred during olive harvesting season amid rising settler violence.
Israeli police have not arrested any suspects following settler attacks on European diplomats and an American journalist east of Ramallah, despite the severity of the assaults and resulting injuries. The police, however, blamed diplomatic missions for hindering investigations, claiming a lack of cooperation in providing testimonies and evidence, contributing to ongoing settler impunity. According to Israeli media outlet "Walla!", police sources stated that European diplomats attacked by settlers on Saturday during olive harvesting in the Taybeh village, east of Ramallah, are not cooperating with investigators. No suspects have been arrested in this attack or in the assault on American "Washington Post" photographer Heidi Levine in the nearby village of Abu Falah. Police claimed their investigation team is collecting evidence and coordinating with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain testimonies from the diplomats, but had not received cooperation from the missions as of Saturday evening. Investigators reportedly requested detailed testimonies, video recordings, and permission to examine vehicles and collect forensic evidence to identify and prosecute the attackers. Levine underwent surgery on her hand Saturday evening after sustaining serious injuries, including a deep finger wound reaching the bone, a fractured rib, and spinal fractures. Over 50 masked settlers reportedly attacked Levine and Palestinian farmers for over ten minutes. Police Commander in the West Bank, Moshe Pinchi, is personally overseeing the investigations, assigning the cases to the central investigation unit and reinforcing teams with additional investigators and Shin Bet coordination, though no arrests have been made. The attack on Levine drew criticism from the US, with Ambassador Mike Huckabee calling it a "despicable act of terrorism" and demanding arrests and prosecution. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed "deep concern" and stated Washington has asked Israel to take measures to prevent recurrence. The attacks occurred amid a rise in settler violence against Palestinians and their property, with authorities accused of providing protection and leniency to the perpetrators.
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