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Israeli police arrest 10 over settler attacks on journalist and diplomats in West Bank
BBC • • general
Key Points:
- Israeli police have arrested 10 suspects in the West Bank linked to settler attacks on an American journalist and European diplomats, seizing evidence and vehicles during the operation.
- Settler violence in the West Bank has surged, particularly during the olive harvest season, with 269 incidents reported in 20 days, affecting Palestinian livelihoods and leading to injuries, including to journalist Heidi Levine.
- Heidi Levine, who was attacked while clearly marked as press, described the assault as severe but expressed gratitude for protective gear that likely prevented worse injuries; Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack and promised justice.
- US and European officials condemned the violence, urging Israel to protect Palestinians and diplomats, while Israeli authorities labeled the attacks as part of a campaign to smear Israel, with mixed responses from Israeli leadership.
- The broader context includes ongoing Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, high Palestinian casualties linked to settler violence, and a historically low rate of indictments against Israelis for such offenses.
