Occupied Jerusalem, Oct. 19 (SANA) US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Sunday condemned an attack by Israeli settlers on American journalist Heidi Levine, a photographer for The Washington Post, during the Palestinian olive harvest in the West Bank, which left her seriously injured along with several Palestinians.
The Associated Press quoted Huckabee as describing the attack, which took place on Friday in the village of Abu Falah, northeast of Ramallah, as a “despicable act of terror carried out by masked cowards.”
He called for a thorough investigation, the arrest of all those involved and their prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
Responding to statements by Israeli authorities that the circumstances surrounding the assault remained unclear, Huckabee said Levine was clearly identifiable as a journalist, stressing the need to protect journalists and ensure their safety while they carry out their work.
Levine sustained serious injuries in the attack. Meanwhile, Israeli police are investigating a separate assault by settlers on European diplomats on Saturday in another village in the West Bank.
In July, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate reported that Israeli forces and settlers had committed 467 violations against journalists and media workers during the first half of 2026. The violations included preventing media coverage, arrests, physical assaults, and the use of live ammunition and tear gas.
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