Israel Arrests 10 Settlers Suspected of Attacking European Delegation, Journalist

According to the reports, the incidents involved Heidi Levine and a European delegation that included officials from Poland, Belgium and France. One account says Levine was hospitalized after being assaulted on Friday, and another says the diplomats were attacked on Saturday near Ramallah and Taybeh. The reports also say vehicles were damaged and, in one case, an object described as an iron bar or metal rod was used.

Police said the arrests were part of an operation called Olive Leaf or Olive Branch, carried out with the Shin Bet, Border Police, the IDF and aerial support. Several reports say vehicles were seized and suspects were taken for interrogation in the Judea and Samaria District. Police also said items were found linking the suspects to the alleged acts.

U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee welcomed the arrests as a very positive development. France and the United States condemned the violence and called for investigations, while Prime Minister Netanyahu questioned whether the diplomats had coordinated their visit with the IDF. One report says violence continued after the arrests, including attacks on olive harvesters near Turmus Ayya and vandalism in the southern Hebron region.