Israeli Journalist Attacked and Robbed by Masked Settlers While Covering Fire in West Bank

Yoav Borovitz, a journalist for Kan News, reported that he was attacked and robbed by masked settlers while covering a large fire at Gilad Farm in the West Bank. Borovitz said he was the first journalist to arrive at the scene, documenting the fire and firefighting planes before interviewing residents whose homes were destroyed. During his coverage, he noticed a group of 20 to 30 masked hilltop youth approaching from a nearby hill. After filming them briefly, they demanded he delete the footage. When he refused, they surrounded and threatened him.

One resident, whose home was destroyed, advised Borovitz to leave the area. With no police or other journalists present, only a few United Hatzalah volunteers, Borovitz retreated to his car and waited for a cameraman at a nearby checkpoint. Initially, some masked individuals approached his car but left, only to return shortly after. Two blocked his vehicle while others opened the passenger door, grabbed him, and snatched his phone, which was connected to a charger. Borovitz described the incident as lasting only two seconds.

He chose not to pursue the assailants, fearing for his safety, stating, "They were dangerous. I was lucky because it could have been much worse." The stolen phone contained years of personal footage and sensitive information. Borovitz filed a complaint with the Israeli police but expressed doubt about recovering the device or its data. He concluded by emphasizing the life-threatening danger he faced when surrounded and threatened by the large group.