Washington Post photographer injured in settler attack during West Bank olive harvest

Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine was injured and hospitalized after Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians during the olive harvest in the occupied West Bank on Friday. The assault occurred near Abu Falah, where CBS News said video showed around 20 masked men descending a hill from the area of an Israeli settlement outpost into an olive grove. Other footage showed two vehicles burning. Levine was taken to a hospital in Ramallah for treatment. The Washington Post confirmed the attack, saying she had been knocked to the ground, repeatedly kicked and robbed of her cameras and phone despite wearing a protective vest marked for the press and a helmet. [ 4 , 9 ]

CNN reported that video showed masked settlers throwing stones at Palestinians, some of whom also threw stones. At least five settlers surrounded Levine and beat her while she covered her face. In a video statement, Levine said she was kicked while on the ground and estimated the attack lasted 10 minutes. The Washington Post said she had visible markings identifying her as a journalist and urged a thorough investigation and action by authorities. CNN described the assault as part of a wave of attacks reported by residents at the start of the annual olive harvest. [ 6 ]

Israeli police and military said they had opened investigations, CBS News reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office condemned the violence but said the facts surrounding the incident remained unclear. The Hill quoted Netanyahu as saying those responsible would be held accountable, while also questioning who started the encounter. His statement cited reports that about 200 Arabs and far-left activists confronted roughly 40 Israeli youths. The Hill separately cited Reuters witnesses who described 80 masked people carrying gas canisters arriving at the gathering. The accounts do not establish a consistent number of attackers. [ 4 , 10 ]