By The Republic Standard News Staff
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned the assault of American photojournalist Heidi Levine by masked Israeli settlers in the West Bank, calling for those responsible to be arrested and prosecuted.
Levine, 63, was attacked last Friday while Palestinians were harvesting olives in West Bank towns. She was recovering at Beilinson hospital in Petah Tikva near Tel Aviv after suffering hand injuries that required surgery, broken ribs and other injuries.
“Attacking a female photographer is despicable act of terror carried out by masked cowards,” Huckabee said.
Levine said the beating lasted about 10 minutes. Her camera, passport and phone were taken during the assault. She said Palestinian colleagues intervened and brought the attack to an end.
“Luckily, I had my flak jacket and helmet, otherwise I probably wouldn’t even be here,” Levine said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned violence against anyone but described the attack on Levine as alleged. Israeli President Isaac Herzog called Levine at the hospital and condemned the assault.
Violence was also reported Saturday during a visit involving European diplomats, French mayor Bernard Baudoux, Archbishop Vincent Dollmann, the French consul general in Jerusalem, and Belgian and Polish consuls. Baudoux was assaulted and knocked to the ground. Seven men threatened Baudoux’s wife and Dollmann.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the incident involving the diplomats, while police said they would open an investigation. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called for arrests and an end to criminal violence. The European Union also condemned the attack and called for accountability and steps to prevent further violence.
Yesh Din reported that 94% of investigations into settler violence since 2005 concluded without an indictment. The organization said 3% resulted in full or partial convictions.
Israel is scheduled to hold elections on Oct. 27. President Donald Trump endorsed Netanyahu for re-election on Sunday.
Category: Constitution
Tags: Constitution, Mike Huckabee, Israel, Immigration