Israeli settlers attack journalist and European diplomatic convoy in West Bank

On October 16, 2026, approximately 80 masked Israeli settlers launched a coordinated attack on Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest in the village of Abu Falah. During the incident, Heidi Levine, a photojournalist for The Washington Post, was violently assaulted, kicked repeatedly, and robbed of her equipment despite displaying clear press credentials. She sustained severe injuries, including spinal fractures and a rib fracture, requiring hospitalization and surgery.

On October 17, a second incident occurred near the village of Taybeh, where Israeli settlers attacked a convoy of European diplomats, including the French mayor of Aulnoye-Aymeries, 78-year-old Bernard Baudoux. The attackers reportedly used physical force and, according to some reports, iron rods, causing injuries to the mayor. The incident, which occurred during a diplomatic visit to sign a cooperation agreement, has drawn international condemnation.

The United States government, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ambassador Mike Huckabee, expressed strong concern, urging Israel to prosecute the perpetrators and ensure the safety of media and diplomats. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the attacks, while Mayor Baudoux criticized the perceived tolerance of settler violence by the Israeli government. Investigations are ongoing, with officials demanding accountability for the assaults.