EU Condemns West Bank Settler Attacks on Diplomats, US Journalist

The European Union strongly condemns attacks by extremist settlers in the West Bank, including those against European diplomats, the bloc's foreign policy spokesperson said on Sunday.

France called on Israeli authorities to take all necessary measures to stop these acts of terror following an attack by masked Israeli settlers against European diplomats in the West Bank on Saturday. Diplomats from France, Belgium, and Poland, along with Catholic representatives, were attacked near the Christian village of Taybeh. Bernard Baudoux, the mayor of Aulnoye-Aymeries, France, stated masked settlers yelled defamatory comments about France, kicked him, and hit him with iron bars, throwing him to the ground.

A Belgian diplomatic vehicle also sustained a smashed window. The diplomats were in Taybeh to assess the situation on the ground and participate in the olive harvest. On Friday, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian olive pickers and Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine near the Palestinian village of Abu Falah. Levine was knocked to the ground, repeatedly kicked and robbed of her cameras and phone despite wearing a protective vest marked "PRESS" and a helmet.

She remains hospitalized in Tel Aviv, recovering from hand surgery, broken ribs, and other injuries, stating she was beaten for over 10 minutes and her camera, passport, and phone were stolen. The EU spokesperson expects full accountability as well as effective measures to prevent continued acts of violence and urged Israel to fully abide by International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law, and to cease the expansion of settlements.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned the attack on Levine as vicious & cowardly and a despicable act of terror, calling for a full investigation, arrest and prosecution of the assailants. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the attack on Levine disturbing and urged Israel to crack down on that stuff. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office condemned violence against anyone but urged caution, stating serious accusations require serious evidence.

His office also claimed the reports come amid a coordinated campaign to smear Israel and noted the diplomatic delegation entered a sensitive area without prior coordination with the Israeli military.