Israeli police announced on Monday that they have arrested 10 individuals as part of an investigation into violent incidents in the West Bank, including separate attacks on a Washington Post journalist and European diplomats.
Details of the Attacks and Arrests
These arrests came following a request from the United States, Israel's closest ally, to address violence related to settlers and to apprehend those responsible for the attack on Washington Post journalist Heidi Levin. Diplomats from France, Belgium, and Poland, who were targeted in these attacks, also urged Israel to take action.
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Israeli police stated that these individuals were arrested in a pre-dawn operation and are being interrogated on charges of participating in acts of violence, violating a closed military zone order, and illegal construction. Israeli media have reported that these individuals are Israeli citizens.
Attacks on Journalists and Diplomats
Attacks on journalists and diplomats in the West Bank are on the rise. In a video released from the pre-dawn operation, at least one of the suspects, whose face is not visible, is seen wearing religious fringes (tzitzit) typically worn by observant Jewish men. Additionally, two pistols that could be used for throwing stones were found on a property. On Friday, when the Washington Post journalist was attacked, dozens of armed settlers assaulted a Palestinian olive harvest.
In this operation, police forces, military personnel, and the internal security service Shin Bet participated. Israeli Police Commissioner Daniel Levy, referring to the West Bank by its historical name, Judea and Samaria, stated that the law must apply to all actions, “regardless of identity or affiliation.”
The attack on American journalist Heidi Levin, who was covering the Palestinian olive harvest in the West Bank, has faced severe backlash. Levin was transferred to the hospital and underwent surgery. Also on Saturday, French, Belgian, and Polish diplomats, along with a French mayor, were attacked by masked settlers in another area of the West Bank.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Israeli military officials identified “Israeli settlers” as responsible for the attack on the diplomats. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose religious-nationalist coalition may lose its majority in the October 27 elections, has been more cautious in his remarks. He noted that the diplomats entered a “sensitive area with a history of conflicts” without coordination with the military.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog apologized for the attack on Levin, stating that the “violent settlers” who “attacked her severely” do not represent Israeli values. According to reports from Israeli human rights groups, attacks by settlers on Palestinians are increasing, with at least 170 incidents recorded since September 27.
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