Herzog apologizes to photojournalist attacked during Abu Falah olive harvest

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine on October 17 and apologized after settlers attacked her while she covered the Palestinian olive harvest. ANSA reported the call, citing a presidency readout, which also urged authorities to investigate and prosecute those responsible.

Palestinian farmers gathering olives in Abu Falah were attacked October 16 by Israeli settlers who burned trees and threw stones, according to Reuters journalists at the scene. Palestinian medics said at least two people were injured, including Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine.

Reuters witnesses described about 80 settlers descending toward the terraced grove, some carrying gas canisters. Palestinians moved downhill and threw stones back.

The attack continued after Israeli troops arrived, Reuters reported. Soldiers fired tear gas toward Palestinians, and a Reuters photographer saw at least one settler fire a gun.

The military said soldiers and border police fired warning shots and later fired toward a person troops believed posed a threat. It condemned violence against civilians.

Levine told the Committee to Protect Journalists from her hospital bed that masked settlers pushed her down and repeatedly kicked her. She said she identified herself as an American journalist and that her bag, camera and phone were stolen.

CPJ said the assault followed other attacks on journalists covering the harvest. Its regional director, Sara Qudah, called for Israeli authorities to protect journalists and end a pattern of violence and harassment.

In a follow-up published October 17, Arab News reported that Post executive editor Matt Murray had rejected the suggestion from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office that the circumstances of Levine’s assault were unclear.

In the October 16 exchange, Murray said she had been visibly identified as press and beaten, and called for an investigation and accountability. Netanyahu’s office said the incident was being investigated and that those responsible would be held accountable.

In a subsequent ANSA dispatch published October 18, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was disturbed by the attack and urged Israel to act against violence in the West Bank. ANSA reported his remarks at Joint Base Andrews.

Follow local and national arts and politics: subscribe to Scapi for new stories by email.