Court Frees Most Suspects in Attack on Washington Post Photographer
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
A Jerusalem court released eight of ten suspects arrested for attacking a Washington Post photographer and foreign diplomats in the Benjamin region. President Isaac Herzog condemned the violence and apologized to photographer Heidi Levine, who was assaulted by settlers while covering Palestinian olive pickers. The Washington Post demanded a thorough investigation into the unprovoked attack on their journalist.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A Jerusalem court released 8 of 10 suspects arrested for attacking a Washington Post photographer.
- President Isaac Herzog condemned the violence and apologized to photographer Heidi Levine.
- Heidi Levine was assaulted by dozens of armed settlers while covering Palestinian olive pickers.
- The Washington Post demanded a thorough investigation into the attack on their journalist.
- One suspect's detention was extended for allegedly running over a Palestinian.
A Jerusalem Magistrate's Court on Wednesday ordered the release of eight out of ten suspects arrested in connection with the assault on a Washington Post photographer and foreign diplomats in the Benjamin region over the weekend. The court extended the detention of only one reservist, who is also suspected of running over a Palestinian. Another suspect is due to appear in court Thursday.
President Isaac Herzog spoke with Heidi Levine on Saturday evening, condemning the incident and expressing deep sorrow and apology. "As President of the State of Israel, I strongly condemn this outrageous and shocking phenomenon of violence," Herzog stated, adding that he was "morally tormented" by the events and that the perpetrators' behavior does not represent Israel. He emphasized that Israel is a democratic rule-of-law state that must act decisively against all violence and expressed confidence that the circumstances would be thoroughly investigated.
The attack occurred when dozens of armed settlers descended upon an olive grove near the Palestinian village of Abu Falah, near Ramallah, and assaulted Palestinian olive pickers. Levine, who was documenting the event, was attacked and injured, reporting that she was kicked for about ten minutes by an estimated 25 to 50 individuals. She recounted that her camera equipment and passport were taken, and she was kicked again after being forced to stand. Palestinian villagers eventually rescued her.
Following the incident, IDF and Border Police forces dispersed the friction. Police and forensic investigators began collecting evidence and testimonies. The IDF stated it "strongly condemns the incident and views any act of violence with severity," calling for a multi-organizational solution to eradicate such violence.
The Washington Post expressed shock over the attack, noting that Levine was clearly identifiable as a journalist and demanding a thorough investigation and follow-up by the authorities.
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