Diplomats Assaulted in West Bank Day After Photographer Beating

Key points

• European diplomats were assaulted by Israeli settlers in the West Bank on Saturday, following the previous day's attack on photographer Heidi Levine.
• Levine, a 64-year-old Washington Post photojournalist, was beaten for about 10 minutes by armed settlers near the village of Abu Falah.
• Levine stated that her press vest and helmet likely prevented more serious injuries, but she was stripped of her equipment.
• The Israeli military did not intervene to stop the assault on Levine, according to witnesses and the photographer herself.
• Rights groups report that few settlers are punished for attacks, which have surged in recent years, particularly during the olive harvest.

Background

This incident follows a series of attacks on journalists and Palestinians during the annual olive harvest in the West Bank. Previous coverage noted that at least 170 attacks were recorded since late September, with the UN documenting over 1,600 settler violence incidents this year. The attacks have intensified as Israel approaches elections, with new military restrictions limiting Palestinian access to agricultural land.

How outlets are covering it

The AP and The Washington Post both report on the attacks but emphasize different aspects. The AP focuses on Levine's personal experience and her criticism of the Israeli military's failure to protect her, while The Washington Post highlights the subsequent attack on European diplomats and the broader context of settler violence. Both outlets note the lack of accountability for settlers, but The Washington Post also mentions the U.S. ambassador's condemnation of the attack on Levine as a 'despicable act of terror.'

Why it matters

The attacks on journalists and diplomats highlight the escalating violence in the West Bank and the perceived lack of accountability for Israeli settlers. The incidents raise concerns about press safety and the protection of civilians in the occupied territories, particularly during sensitive periods like the olive harvest.

What to watch

Levine plans to return to work, stating that the attackers have not broken her spirit. The Israeli government is expected to continue its investigation into the attacks, but rights groups remain skeptical about meaningful accountability. The situation may further strain relations between Israel and European countries, given the assault on diplomats.