West Bank Violence: 8 Arrested After Attacks on Diplomats and US Journalist
Israeli police launch Operation Olive Leaf, arresting 8 suspects after attacks on European diplomats and a US photojournalist in the West Bank.
In a major crackdown following a wave of violence in the occupied West Bank, Israeli police have arrested eight suspects linked to attacks on European diplomats and a Washington Post photojournalist. The arrests were part of a coordinated security effort to address escalating settler violence against Palestinians and international representatives.
Operation Olive Leaf: The Crackdown Begins
The arrests were carried out during a dawn operation titled “Olive Leaf.” This mission was executed by the police in close coordination with Israel's internal security agency, the Shin Bet, and with an escort provided by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).
Beyond the eight arrests, police officials confirmed that several vehicles have been seized. The operation extends beyond these specific arrests, as the IDF and Border Police are currently conducting enforcement actions to:
- Dismantle illegal settler outposts.
- Address violations of military-issued restraining orders.
- Investigate reports of an intrusion into a Palestinian home.
Assault on US Photojournalist
One of the most severe incidents occurred on Friday in the Binyamin region of the West Bank. Heidi Levine, a photojournalist for the Washington Post, was violently assaulted while documenting Palestinians harvesting olives.
The attack left Levine with injuries to her limbs, requiring her to undergo surgery at Beilinson Hospital on Saturday. Her condition has since been described as moderate.
Diplomats Targeted in Taybeh
The violence continued on Saturday, when a diplomatic delegation from France, Belgium, and Poland was targeted near the Palestinian Christian village of Taybeh, located east of Ramallah. This attack on foreign officials sparked immediate international outrage.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand joined the European Union and other allies in condemning the incident. In a statement shared on X, Anand described the attack as part of a "broader pattern of settler violence" that threatens Palestinian communities and jeopardizes peace efforts. She emphasized that Israel, as the occupying power, must guarantee the safety of civilians and diplomats.
Official Reactions and Security Lapses
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar condemned the violence and confirmed that forensic investigators are currently gathering evidence to identify all perpetrators. However, Sa'ar pointed out a critical security gap, noting that the diplomatic delegation had not coordinated their visit with the IDF in advance, which might have prevented the attack.
The IDF also issued a condemnation of the violence. A preliminary military inquiry revealed that no IDF soldiers were present at the scene when the diplomats were attacked. The military further noted that the initial report of the incident was sent to a brigade operations room intended for security personnel rather than civilians, a procedural detail that is now being examined.
The eight suspects remain in custody for questioning as the investigation continues.