Israeli settlers attacked US photojournalist on West Bank, Rubio says
Marco Rubio said Washington asked Israel to stop such actions after footage showed an attack on The Washington Post photographer.
Israeli settlers attacked an American photojournalist on the occupied West Bank in recent days, a video circulating on social media shows, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington has urged Israel to act to prevent similar incidents.
Footage, injuries and diplomatic concerns
The video shows several people assaulting Heida Levine, an American photojournalist who works for The Washington Post. Levine was one of at least two people injured in the violence, which reportedly targeted Palestinian civilians.
“We are very surprised by the footage we are seeing. We have asked the Israelis to stop such actions,” Rubio said, commenting after the clips were shared online.
Belgium's foreign minister also reported that European diplomats and a French mayor were attacked on the occupied West Bank in related incidents, underscoring growing concern among international officials about settler violence and the safety of civilians and visiting representatives.
U.S. officials have called on Israeli authorities to take measures to deter settlers from carrying out further attacks. Local and international human rights groups have repeatedly warned about rising tensions and attacks in settlements and nearby Palestinian communities.
There has been no immediate public statement from Israeli authorities in response to Rubio's appeal or to the video circulating online. Investigations into the incidents and the identities of those involved have not been disclosed publicly.
Photo: press material from the event
