U.S. Ambassador Calls for Full Investigation After Settler Attack on Photographer
- Huckabee, a staunch ally of Israel who has nonetheless sharply criticized settler attacks against Americans, did not identify the culprits as settlers, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to sow doubt as to their identity
- Netanyahu, who wants to shore up his pro-settlement right‑wing base ahead of close‑fought October 27 elections, on Friday insisted that Palestinians or “far‑left” activists may have been responsible
Updated 3 min 0 sec ago
October 18, 2026 01:47
“An attack on a female photographer is a despicable act of terror carried out by masked cowards,” Huckabee wrote on X, taking a far stronger tone than a previous statement from Washington.
Key Developments
Huckabee, a staunch ally of Israel who has nevertheless sharply criticized settler attacks against Americans, did not name the perpetrators as settlers, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted to cast doubt on their identity.
“Details of those under investigation are still emerging, but those who attacked the unarmed reporter should serve years in prison,” Huckabee declared.
“We have called for a comprehensive investigation, arrest, and prosecution to the full extent of the law for everyone involved.”
Heidi Levine, a veteran photojournalist, was rushed to the hospital suffering from broken vertebrae. She was listed on Saturday as being in moderate condition after covering Palestinians’ annual olive‑harvest event, a gathering repeatedly disrupted by Israeli settlers.
According to witnesses, settler groups struck her, stripped her passport, phone, wallet and camera equipment, leaving her visibly injured.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aiming to solidify his pro‑settlement right‑wing coalition ahead of the closely contested October 27 elections, argued on Friday that either Palestinians or “far‑left” activists could be responsible for the assault.
The U.S. State Department offered a measured response, stating it condemns “criminal violence by any party” and reaffirms support for journalists pursued by terrorist acts.
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