Veteran Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine was brutally attacked and severely injured by masked Israeli settlers in the West Bank. She sustained multiple fractures and puncture wounds but credits local Palestinian youths, who bravely intervened with slingshots, for saving her life. The incident highlights escalating settler violence in the region.
Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine recounted her harrowing experience of being attacked and seriously injured by masked Israeli settlers in the West Bank, emphasizing how Palestinian youths saved her life. While covering an olive harvest in Abu Falah, north of Ramallah, Levine, 64, was knocked down and repeatedly beaten, sustaining four fractured vertebrae, two broken ribs, and four puncture wounds, possibly from clubs with nails. She believes her body armor and helmet prevented her death, noting that Palestinians lack such protection and many have been killed in similar attacks. Levine described the attack beginning after the Israeli army arrived, with settlers charging and beating her extensively. The assault only ceased when young Palestinian men used slingshots to repel the settlers, allowing other journalists to help Levine to safety. Fellow journalist Jasper Nathaniel confirmed the Palestinians 'risked their lives to save Heidi Levine’s.' Despite her injuries, Levine, who has lived in Israel for 40 years, is determined to continue her work. While she received an apologetic call from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office questioned witness accounts, which Levine vehemently denied, stating the attackers robbed her before throwing her back down. US Ambassador Mike Huckabee condemned the 'despicable act of terror.' Though 10 suspects were arrested, four were later released due to insufficient evidence, leaving Levine with low confidence in justice.
