Settlers Attack Diplomatic Delegation, Washington Post Journalist in West Bank

Israeli settlers attacked a diplomatic delegation, including the French consul, in the occupied West Bank village of Taybeh on Saturday afternoon.

Masked settlers also smashed a window of a Belgian consular vehicle during the incident. This follows an attack on Friday where Israeli settlers assaulted Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine near the village of Abu Falah, leaving her with severe injuries. Levine is undergoing surgery for a nearly detached finger and also sustained a broken rib, multiple broken vertebrae, and lacerations across her body.

She reported being kicked for about 10 minutes by perpetrators armed with bottles and slingshots, despite wearing a protective vest clearly marked "PRESS." US lawmakers condemned the settler violence, with Representative Jamie Raskin describing the attack on Levine as unconscionable. Senator Andy Kim called for an investigation and accountability, noting reports that IDF soldiers did not intervene.

Representative Ro Khanna urged the US to cut aid to Israel that funds settler activity. The Israel Defense Forces are expected to reinforce their West Bank division with additional combat troops as incidents of nationalist violence targeting Palestinians have sharply increased in frequency and severity. This surge in violence coincides with the annual olive harvest season, during which settlers have set fire to Palestinian vehicles, stolen olives, and assaulted Palestinians.

Yesh Din, an Israeli rights group, documented 487 incidents of violence by settlers and soldiers since September 27, with 234 related to the olive harvest.