Washington Post Photographer Attacked During Olive Harvest in West Bank

According to Palestinian sources, dozens of masked Jewish residents threw stones, set fire to olive trees and vehicles, and attacked Palestinian harvesters. The attacks also reportedly spread to nearby villages like Turmus Ayya and Burqa, where a Palestinian Civil Defense vehicle was set on fire and a rescue worker was assaulted. Levine was rescued by Palestinians and subsequently hospitalized in Ramallah with fractures and cuts.

In contrast, the Binyamin Regional Council disputed the allegations of violence against Levine, claiming that video footage showed Israeli youths helping her up after she fell. The council stated that the confrontation was a pre-planned provocation by the Palestinian Authority, which brought hundreds of activists to the area to clash with Israelis near a hilltop community. The council also reported that Palestinians launched fireworks and set fire to a field belonging to Jewish residents, causing minor injuries to several Israelis.

The Israel Defense Forces and Israel Police condemned the violence and have launched investigations into the incidents. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem condemned the attack on the American photographer, calling for a thorough investigation, arrests, and convictions of those responsible. The Washington Post expressed outrage over the assault on its clearly identified journalist.