Scenes of extreme violence unfolded in the occupied West Bank on Friday when a group of masked Israeli settlers allegedly assaulted American photojournalist Heidi Levine of the Washington Post, repeatedly beating and kicking her while she lay on the ground.
Levine was covering the olive harvest by Palestinian farmers near the village of Abu Falah, northeast of Ramallah, when the attack occurred.
The veteran photographer sustained serious injuries, including fractures to four vertebrae and one rib, as well as a deep wound to a finger that required surgery.
Video footage published after the incident shows Levine lying on a dirt path with several men around her. During the assault, the attackers allegedly stole cameras, her mobile phone and personal belongings.
“If I hadn't been wearing a helmet and body armour, I probably wouldn't be here”
Dozens of masked Israeli "settlers" attacked Palestinians harvesting olives near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank on Friday, setting trees on fire and throwing stones. The attackers also beat Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine, who was wearing a clearly marked press vest, kicking her repeatedly and stealing her equipment. She was hospitalized. Witnesses said Israeli soldiers failed to intervene against the "settlers" and instead fired tear gas at Palestinians. https://t.co/NxjyxhCgvm
— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 16, 2026
Speaking from a hospital in Ramallah, Levine described how dozens of masked men appeared on a nearby hill before advancing towards journalists and Palestinian farmers.
“Today I was violently attacked. We saw at least 50 masked men on top of the hill,” she said.
According to Levine, the attackers singled her out, knocked her to the ground and began kicking her.
“They attacked me and threw me to the ground. Fortunately, I was wearing my protective vest and helmet. Otherwise I probably wouldn't even be here, because they kept kicking me again and again,” she said.
She estimated that the assault lasted around ten minutes and that she was kicked roughly 50 times.
“After ten minutes they tried to lift me up, but they pushed me back down and continued kicking me,” she said.
Levine attempted to protect both herself and her equipment but was unable to prevent the theft of her belongings. Reports indicate that her passport and wallet were among the items taken.
She credited Palestinian colleagues with rescuing her.
“The only thing I remember afterwards is Palestinians managing to get to me, save me and try to take me away,” she said.
Attacks on Palestinian farmers and vehicles set ablaze
The assault took place amid wider violence near Abu Falah, where Palestinian farmers had gathered for the annual olive harvest.
According to witnesses and video footage, dozens of masked Israeli settlers descended from a nearby hill and attacked those gathered.
Some were reportedly carrying clubs, while others used slingshots to launch stones. There were also reports of olive trees and vehicles being set on fire.
Footage obtained by CBS News reportedly showed masked settlers moving from a nearby settlement towards the olive groves. Other footage showed burning vehicles and an injured Palestinian man.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society said several Palestinians were injured during the incidents.
Witnesses alleged that Israeli soldiers present in the area did not intervene quickly enough to stop the attacks.
The Israeli military said forces were deployed following reports of violent clashes and used crowd-control measures, adding that the circumstances of the incident are under investigation.
Washington Post: She was clearly identified as PRESS
The attack drew a strong response from the Washington Post, which condemned the assault and called for a full investigation.
Executive editor Matt Murray confirmed that Levine was attacked while carrying out her journalistic duties and stressed that she was wearing protective gear clearly marked PRESS.
“Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine was attacked by Israeli settlers while covering events in the West Bank this morning,” he said.
The newspaper also expressed relief that she had received medical treatment and had been transferred to a safe location.
Despite the seriousness of her injuries, her condition was reported as stable.
Masked Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian villagers on Friday, setting olive groves on fire and slinging rocks. Caught in the attack was Post photographer Heidi Levine. “They just kept kicking me and kicking me, like probably 50 times,” Levine said. https://t.co/9YLUuU9ktP https://t.co/0SrFcIW4as
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) October 16, 2026
Condemnation from the US, Netanyahu responds
The US State Department expressed serious concern over the attack on the American journalist, condemning violence in the West Bank and stressing the need for accountability.
A department spokesperson said US authorities were aware of the incident and stood ready to provide appropriate consular assistance.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commented on the attack, saying Israel unequivocally condemns violence against anyone, regardless of religion or nationality, including journalists.
His office added, however, that there were conflicting accounts regarding the circumstances of the incident and that the case remains under investigation.
That response prompted a further reaction from the Washington Post, which said the evidence surrounding the attack was clear and extensively documented.
Who is Heidi Levine?
Heidi Levine is an experienced American photojournalist who has spent years covering wars and humanitarian crises across the Middle East.
She has reported from some of the world's most dangerous conflict zones and has also covered the war in Ukraine.
In 2015, she received the Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award, which recognises women photojournalists working in hazardous conditions.
The attack has once again highlighted the dangers faced by journalists covering violence in the occupied West Bank.
