US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has issued a strong denunciation following an assault on Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine, describing the incident as a “despicable act of terror.” The attack occurred last Friday when Levine, a 63-year-old award-winning photographer with four decades of coverage experience in the region, was set upon by masked Israeli settlers. According to accounts, the assailants used clubs and other weapons while targeting Palestinians attempting to harvest olives, with Levine caught in the violence.
Levine sustained significant injuries requiring hospitalization, including hand surgery, broken ribs, and other wounds. She reported that the assault lasted more than 10 minutes and stated that protective gear, including a flak jacket and helmet, likely prevented more severe harm. In her public comments about the incident, Levine reflected on her lengthy career in the region and expressed concern about current conditions.
Huckabee called for a full investigation, arrest, and prosecution of those involved, characterizing the attackers as “masked cowards.” However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s response to the incident drew criticism from Levine. Netanyahu stated he condemned “violence against anyone” but referred to the attack as “alleged” and indicated that circumstances remained unclear, a characterization Levine said left her “shocked and insulted.” The differing tone between the US ambassador’s direct condemnation and the prime minister’s more cautious framing marks a notable diplomatic divergence on the matter.
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