Belgian diplomatic vehicle window smashed as israeli settlers attack palestinians, diplomats in west bank

Violence in Taybeh

The attack took place in Taybeh, a Christian town north of Jerusalem. Palestinian residents were gathering olives with French, Polish and Belgian diplomats, who were present to show solidarity, according to residents, local officials and witnesses.

Mayor Suleiman Khourieh said the settlers beat a teenager, pushed an older woman and smashed a window in a Belgian diplomatic vehicle. He also said they scuffled with a visiting mayor from a French town that had recently become Taybeh’s sister city. “Nobody is protected,” Khourieh said, describing the violence as affecting Palestinians, journalists and diplomats.

Friday’s attack injured journalist

On Friday, Israeli settlers beat Palestinians and Heidi Levine, a 63-year-old longtime Washington Post photographer, with bats and sticks. She underwent surgery on Saturday and was in moderate condition, Beilinson Hospital said. Her family said Levine suffered a broken rib, cuts on her legs, rear end and hip, and a serious cut on her left hand.

Activists blocked near village

Amit Orfali, a member of the rights group Torat Tzedek, said a small group of Israeli activists opposed to settler violence tried to reach Saturday’s attack scene. Club-wielding settlers stopped them at a roadblock on the village outskirts. Orfali shared videos of the confrontation and a photo he said showed the broken window of the Belgian vehicle.