Israel Arrests Ten Settlers After West Bank Attacks on Diplomats, Journalist

Israeli security forces arrested ten suspected extremist settlers in the occupied West Bank on Monday, October 19, 2026.

The arrests followed attacks on a US journalist and European diplomats that sparked international condemnation. The suspects were detained during a joint operation called "Olive Leaf," involving police, the Shin Bet security agency, and the IDF. Israeli Police Commissioner Danny Levy stated that "The law in Judea and Samaria applies to everyone, regardless of identity or affiliation."

Major General Moshe Finchi, the Israeli police's West Bank commander, said suspects were arrested on suspicion of involvement in violent incidents, violating a military commander’s order concerning a closed military zone, and illegal construction. Evidence linking them to the incidents was seized, and several vehicles were confiscated. The first attack occurred on Friday, October 16, when Israeli settlers beat Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine during a reported raid on an olive harvest in the village of Abu Falah.

Levine sustained four broken vertebrae, a rib, and wounds requiring hand surgery, and appeared to have stab wounds to her lower body. IDF soldiers reportedly witnessed the event but did not intervene. On Saturday, masked settlers attacked a convoy of European diplomats visiting the Christian village of Taybeh. Bernard Baudoux, mayor of the French town of Aulnoye-Aymeries, accused attackers of kicking him and beating him with metal bars.

The delegation included diplomats from France, Belgium, and Poland. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington urged Israel to crack down on the violence. US Ambassador Mike Huckabee condemned the attack on Levine as a despicable act of terror carried out by masked cowards. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office cast doubt on the circumstances, calling reports unproven allegations and warning of a coordinated campaign to smear Israel.

Levine, from her hospital bed, said she was shocked and insulted by Netanyahu's remarks. He called for peaceful confrontation despite the crimes. Rights groups like Yesh Din documented 561 acts of settler or military violence against Palestinians since September 27, averaging more than 26 incidents daily.