From The New Yorker · Isaac Chotiner · · 3m
Settler Attack on Palestinians and Journalist
Israeli settlers attack Palestinian olive harvesters, beat Washington Post journalist.
In brief
Israeli settlers attack Palestinian olive harvesters, beat Washington Post journalist. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers during olive harvest in West Bank, beating Washington Post journalist Heidi Levine. Originally reported by The New Yorker.
Settler Attack on Palestinians
On Friday, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers harvesting olives in the West Bank.
Washington Post Journalist Injured
The attack also beat up American Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine, who was covering the olive harvest.
U.S. Embassy Criticism
The United States Embassy in Jerusalem requested an investigation into the attack.
Netanyahu's Response
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said an investigation was warranted but cast doubt on what occurred.
Settler Violence Trends
In 2026, violence against Palestinians in the West Bank has increased significantly from prior years.
Next Israeli Election
The next Israeli election is scheduled for late October.
Jasper Nathaniel Interview
Jasper Nathaniel, a journalist who covers the West Bank for his Substack, was present during the assault on Levine.
Five Trips Since 2024
Nathaniel has made five trips to the West Bank since January 2024, arriving on October 6th for this trip.
Geographic Changes
Villages Nathaniel visited last year no longer exist, replaced by outposts, settlements, or closed military zones.
Settler Violence Increase
Since 2022, settlers have become emboldened, lowering the threshold for violence from accusations to full-scale attacks.
Coördinated Attacks
Settlers now launch daily coordinated attacks with masks, black clothing, clubs, and machine guns.
Khirbet Abu Falah Attack
In Khirbet Abu Falah, settlers attacked Palestinians using an outpost to cut off villages and create continuity between settlements.
Settler Militias
Settlers form organized militias with direct military connections, including IDF guards and armed enforcers.
Hagmar Groups
Settlers deputize into Hagmar groups wearing full IDF attire and armed with rifles.
Smotrich's Sovereignty Plan
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has a sovereignty plan to squeeze Palestinians into six major population centers.
Attacks on American Journalists
American journalists face increased violence, with settlers now targeting them directly without hesitation.
Heidi Levine's Attack
Settlers beat up Washington Post journalist Heidi Levine, stealing her phone, camera, wallet, and passport.
Palestinian Defense
Palestinian men defended Heidi Levine by throwing rocks and charging back at settlers.
Settlers Retreated
Settlers retreated after Palestinian men defended Heidi Levine, allowing her to be rescued.
Election Impact
The next Israeli election in late October may shift settler support from the military and government.
What matters most
Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers during olive harvest in West Bank, beating Washington Post journalist Heidi Levine.
