Trump 'Disturbed' After Brutal Attack on US Photojournalist Heidi Levine
US President Trump and officials condemn the brutal attack on Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine by settlers in the West Bank.
US President Donald Trump has expressed deep concern following a vicious attack on attack on Heidi Levine, a Washington Post photojournalist, by alleged Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The incident, which has sparked international outrage, saw the American citizen targeted and severely injured while performing her professional duties.
US Leadership Demands Justice
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that the President was troubled by the visuals of the assault. Rubio emphasized that President Trump has been consistent in his stance, stating that he does not wish to see further friction or crises unfolding in the West Bank.
Adding to the condemnation, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee described the assault as a "despicable act of terror" carried out by "masked cowards." Huckabee highlighted that Levine was a US citizen with clear journalistic identification, making the attack on an unarmed reporter particularly heinous.
"Those who attacked unarmed reporter should spend YRS in prison," Huckabee stated, confirming that the US has called for a comprehensive investigation, immediate arrests, and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
Israel's Official Response
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has also stepped forward to condemn the violence, asserting that such behavior does not reflect the values of the State of Israel. In a personal gesture, President Herzog called Levine to express his deepest sorrow and offer a formal apology for the ordeal she endured.
Herzog stressed that Israel is a democratic state governed by the rule of law and must act with full force against all forms of violence. He urged all security and law enforcement authorities to utilize every available means to apprehend the lawbreakers and bring them to justice.
Horrific Details of the Assault
The attack occurred on Friday during an olive harvest in the Binyamin region of the West Bank. Heidi Levine was targeted by a gang of masked settlers who pushed her to the ground and subjected her to a brutal beating.
Speaking from her hospital bed to the Committee for Protection of Journalists (CPJ), Levine recounted the harrowing experience: "They pushed me to the ground and they were kicking me for, I think at least 10 minutes." She confirmed that she had clearly identified herself as an American journalist before the assault.
The aftermath of the attack left Levine with serious injuries to her limbs, requiring surgery at Beilinson Hospital on Saturday. While she hoped nothing was broken, she noted the need for stitches on her back and hand. Additionally, her phone, camera, and bag were stolen during the incident.
Military Presence Questioned
While Levine stated she did not personally see the Israeli military at the scene, she reported seeing tear gas and stunt grenades being deployed, suggesting that soldiers were present in the vicinity during the attack.
A Disturbing Pattern of Violence
The Committee for Protection of Journalists (CPJ) has warned that this is not an isolated event. Sara Qudah, the CPJ regional director, stated that the beating of Heidi Levine is part of a "disturbing pattern of violence and harassment" against journalists covering the olive harvest in the West Bank, regardless of their nationality.
The CPJ has documented a worrying surge in settler attacks against the press. In 2026 alone, the organization has reviewed at least 16 incidents involving 35 local and international journalists, encompassing physical assaults, intimidation, harassment, and the obstruction of journalistic work.