# Settler Attack on Palestinians and Journalist

> Israeli settlers attack Palestinian olive harvesters, beat Washington Post journalist.
- Title: Settler Attack on Palestinians and Journalist · The New Yorker
- Summary: Israeli settlers attack Palestinian olive harvesters, beat Washington Post journalist. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers during olive harvest in…
- Keywords: breaking, israeli settlers, palestinian farmers, west bank, heidi levine, washington post, olive harvest, settlements, netanyahu, smotrich, idf, settlement administration
- Source: The New Yorker — https://newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/behind-the-settler-attack-on-palestinians-and-a-washington-post-journalist
- Author: Isaac Chotiner
- Published: 2026-10-19T17:18:47.75+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: breaking, israeli settlers, palestinian farmers, west bank, heidi levine, washington post, olive harvest, settlements, netanyahu, smotrich, idf, settlement administration
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers during olive harvest in West Bank, beating Washington Post journalist Heidi Levine.