US ambassador to Israel denounces West Bank settler attack on US photojournalist

Levine describes the assault

Levine is being treated in Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv. She said the beating lasted more than 10 minutes and left her with hand injuries requiring surgery, broken ribs and other harm.

She said her protective vest and helmet helped shield her as she was kicked on the ground. According to Levine, Palestinian colleagues stepped in and brought the attack to an end; her camera, passport and phone were taken.

Huckabee demands prosecution

Huckabee condemned the attack and called for a full investigation, arrests and prosecution under the law. He described the assault as an act of terror and denounced the attackers as masked cowards.

The Washington Post renewed its demand for an investigation that is full and transparent. The report notes that investigations into settler violence in Israel rarely reach completion.

Diplomats face another incident

A separate outbreak of settler violence on Saturday targeted European diplomats, a French mayor and the archbishop of Cambrai during a visit to the occupied West Bank. The visitors had joined the olive harvest on land belonging to Taybeh, a Christian town.

The French foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, urged Israel to stop criminal violence and arrest those responsible for attacking Baudoux. The EU called for accountability and steps to prevent violence against Palestinians and journalists, including during the olive harvest.

Israeli officials face criticism

Israel’s foreign ministry condemned the attack on the diplomats, and police said they would investigate. Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief and Netanyahu’s main rival in the elections, blamed the prime minister for the violence. Eisenkot said the attacks were Jewish terrorism carried out with the government’s backing and were eroding Israel’s remaining legitimacy.