US calls on Israel to prosecute West Bank attackers of American journalist

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 14:31 · Archive

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has demanded the prosecution of those who attacked American photojournalist Heidi Levine during an olive harvest in the occupied West Bank.

American photojournalist Heidi Levine was attacked by a group of around 20 masked men during an olive harvest in the occupied West Bank on Friday. According to witnesses, Israeli settlers beat her, kicked her repeatedly and stole her passport, telephone, wallet and camera equipment. Levine, who wore protective clothing marked 'PRESS', told reporters the attackers "were kicking me for like 10 minutes, and I was trying to hold onto my cameras and my bag". She remains hospitalised in Tel Aviv recovering from broken ribs, hand injuries requiring surgery, and other wounds.

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee condemned the attack as "a despicable act of terror carried out by masked cowards". He called on social media for those responsible to be prosecuted and imprisoned. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday the US was "very disturbed" by the incident and had asked Israel to "crack down on that stuff" and prevent similar attacks in future.

Several Palestinians were also injured in the attack. Israeli police and military opened investigations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned "violence against anyone" but referred to the attack as "alleged", saying its circumstances remain unclear.

How it is being reported

• Huckabee calls for prosecution of journalist's West Bank attackersThe ambassador condemned the attack as "vicious" and called for the prosecution of those involved.CBS News · 18 Oct, 14:13
• US ambassador urges Israel to prosecute attackers of American journalistTrump-appointed Ambassador Mike Huckabee calls attack in occupied West Bank a 'despicable act of terror'.Al Jazeera · 18 Oct, 00:40

In this story: Mike Huckabee · Heidi Levine · Marco Rubio · Benjamin Netanyahu · Washington Post · Israel · West Bank

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem