Photojournalist attacked by settlers

On October 16, 2026, Israeli settlers attacked photojournalist Heidi Levine of the Washington Post while she photographed Palestinian farmers harvesting olives in the West Bank.

Levine beaten and robbed

Masked settlers knocked Levine down, beat her, and robbed her of camera equipment in an attack captured on video. Other journalists rescued her while Israel Defense Forces soldiers reportedly stood by.

Serious injuries sustained

Levine suffered lacerations and a hand wound that split her finger to the bone. Independent journalist Jasper Nathaniel said she also had cracked ribs and may have been stabbed.

Pattern of escalating violence

Last week, another photojournalist for Agence France-Presse was beaten with rifles by settlers. Palestinian residents have been shot, beaten, and terrorized while attackers face few consequences.

Government support for settlers

Two Israeli officials, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, are settlers themselves. As ministers of finance and national security, they have used their offices to further the settler cause and enable unchecked violence.

Record levels of attacks

The United Nations reported in June that settler attacks reached the highest sustained levels ever recorded, averaging six daily attacks causing casualties or property damage, forcing many Palestinians from their homes.

“the highest sustained levels ever recorded…with [an average of] six daily attacks that have resulted in casualties, property damage or both”

Violence before elections

Israel will hold elections on October 27, which could result in Netanyahu's settler-friendly government losing power. Settlers are racing to lock down gains with ever more extreme violence before the vote.

“racing to lock down gains”