by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – Israeli security forces arrested 10 suspects early Monday following a series of violent attacks in Judea and Samaria, also known as the West Bank, that left an American journalist seriously injured and targeted European diplomats visiting a Palestinian Christian village.
The arrests came during a coordinated operation dubbed “Operation Olive Leaf,” involving Israeli police, the Shin Bet security agency, Border Police, and the Israel Defense Forces. Authorities conducted raids throughout the Binyamin region, north of Jerusalem, seizing vehicles and evidence allegedly connected to the attacks.
The operation followed Friday’s assault on American photojournalist Heidi Levine, who was covering the Palestinian olive harvest near Abu Falah when masked Israeli settlers allegedly attacked her. Levine suffered broken ribs and vertebrae and underwent surgery for injuries to her hand.
On Saturday, another group of masked settlers reportedly attacked European diplomats from France, Belgium, and Poland visiting the predominantly Christian village of Taybeh. A Belgian diplomatic vehicle was also damaged.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee strongly condemned the attack on Levine, describing it as a “despicable act of terror carried out by masked cowards,” and called for those responsible to face lengthy prison sentences.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also condemned the violence, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the diplomatic delegation had entered a sensitive area without coordinating with Israeli military authorities.
Police Commissioner Danny Levy stressed that Israeli law enforcement must operate impartially, regardless of the suspects’ identity or affiliation.
The arrests come amid growing international concern over violence during the annual olive harvest, placing additional pressure on Israeli authorities to prosecute those responsible while maintaining security throughout Judea and Samaria.
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