Israel Launches Operation Olive Leaf After Settler Attacks on Journalists and Diplomats
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Israeli security forces launched "Operation Olive Leaf" on October 19, detaining eight settlers following violent attacks on a Washington Post journalist and European diplomats in Judea and Samaria. Photojournalist Heidi Levine was severely injured in one attack, drawing international condemnation and calls for action from the US. The operation aims to address escalating settler violence, which has become a daily occurrence, particularly since October 7, and IDF leadership is considering redeploying forces to combat it.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli forces detained eight settlers on October 19 as part of "Operation Olive Leaf" in Judea and Samaria.
- Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine was severely beaten and hospitalized after an attack on October 16.
- European diplomats and Israeli activists were attacked by Jewish extremists on October 17 near Taybeh.
- US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ambassador Mike Huckabee, condemned the violence and urged Israeli action.
- IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir is concerned about coordination and may redeploy forces to combat settler violence.
- Settler violence against Palestinians in Judea and Samaria has become a daily occurrence, especially since October 7.
Israeli security forces launched "Operation Olive Leaf" on October 19, detaining eight settlers suspected of involvement in recent violent incidents in Judea and Samaria. The operation, a joint effort by the IDF, police, and Shin Bet, also involved the confiscation of vehicles. The detainees were transferred for interrogation. The operation comes after attacks on a Washington Post photojournalist and a group of European diplomats.
On October 16, extremist settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives near Ramallah, assaulting Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine. Levine, who was wearing a press vest, reported being hit at least 50 times and suffered a broken rib, four fractured vertebrae, and a severe hand injury requiring surgery. She was hospitalized in Ramallah and later transferred to a hospital in Petah Tikva, Israel. President Isaac Herzog spoke with Levine and apologized. Party leader Yair Golan and MK Gilad Kariv also visited her.
A day later, Jewish extremists attacked diplomats from France, Belgium, and Poland, along with Israeli activists, near the Palestinian village of Taybeh. Video footage showed masked men with sticks and stones approaching and pursuing the diplomats' vehicle. Bernard Bodo, mayor of Olnoy-Emeri, France, was reportedly pushed during the incident.
These incidents have drawn international condemnation, including from the US. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Israel to take strong measures against settler violence. US Ambassador to Jerusalem Mike Huckabee condemned the attack on Levine as "vicious and cowardly," calling for those responsible to face severe penalties.
The Ynet report notes that violent attacks by settlers on Palestinians in Judea and Samaria have become nearly daily occurrences, particularly since October 7, often aimed at displacing residents. However, law enforcement has historically been lax, with few indictments and quick releases of detainees. The olive harvest season typically sees an increase in such incidents.
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir is scheduled to meet with Shin Bet and police officials regarding the situation, concerned about a lack of coordination. He is considering redeploying IDF forces from Gaza and Lebanon to Judea and Samaria, as 30-40% of current forces there are already engaged in combating "Jewish terror." A senior IDF official described the perpetrators as "Jewish criminals, pogromist gangs" who operate with impunity.
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