10 Suspects Arrested in West Bank Violence Targeting Journalist and Diplomats

By אור גואטה

Translated & summarized from Davar by baba

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Hebrew · 5 newsrooms covering

Israeli police and the Shin Bet arrested ten suspects early Monday in the Benjamin region following weekend violence, including the assault of American photojournalist Heidi Levine and the suspected attack on foreign diplomats. Levine was injured while covering a Palestinian olive harvest, and diplomats were reportedly attacked the next day. The arrests were part of a joint operation that also seized vehicles and evidence. Police Commissioner Dany Levy stated that the law applies to everyone in the region.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Ten suspects were arrested by Israeli police and the Shin Bet in the Benjamin region for alleged involvement in weekend violence.
American photojournalist Heidi Levine was attacked and injured by masked individuals while covering a Palestinian olive harvest.
Foreign diplomats from France, Belgium, and Poland were reportedly attacked near Taybeh, with damage to their vehicles.
The arrests followed a joint operation codenamed "Olive Branch" involving Border Police and IDF forces.
Police Commissioner Dany Levy affirmed that the law in Judea and Samaria applies equally to all individuals.

10 Suspects Arrested in West Bank Violence Targeting Journalist and Diplomats — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Israeli police and the Shin Bet arrested ten suspects early Monday in the Benjamin region of the West Bank as part of a joint operation dubbed "Olive Branch." The arrests followed violent incidents over the weekend, including the assault of American photojournalist Heidi Levine and the suspected attack on foreign diplomats. The operation, which involved Border Police and IDF forces, saw several vehicles confiscated and evidence collected that police say links the suspects to the alleged crimes.

Levine, a photographer for The Washington Post, was attacked by masked individuals on Friday while covering a Palestinian olive harvest near the village of Abu Falah, close to Ramallah. She sustained injuries including broken ribs and vertebrae and required surgery for a near-amputated finger. She was hospitalized for treatment.

The following day, diplomats from France, Belgium, and Poland, along with other participants in the olive harvest, were reportedly attacked near the village of Taybeh in Benjamin. Vehicles belonging to the delegation, including a Belgian diplomatic car, were damaged.

The incidents drew condemnation from the United States and European nations, which urged Israeli authorities to act against the violence and bring those responsible to justice. Police stated that the investigation into the events included evidence collection and witness testimony. The arrested suspects are being interrogated on suspicion of involvement in the violence, violating a closed military zone order, and illegal construction. Police Commissioner Dany Levy emphasized that the law in Judea and Samaria applies to everyone equally and that the police are committed to professional, impartial enforcement based on evidence.