Israeli police arrested 10 suspects following violent attacks on a US journalist and European diplomats in the West Bank. The incidents, which occurred over the weekend, have raised concerns about rising settler violence in the region.
Masked settlers assaulted Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine during an olive harvest, leaving her with injuries. French mayor Bernard Baudoux and Belgian diplomats were also targeted in separate attacks. Israeli authorities raided locations and seized evidence linked to the incidents.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced criticism for allowing the violence, with opposition accusing him of failing to address the issue. Rights groups note that Israel rarely prosecutes settlers when victims are Palestinian, highlighting a systemic issue in the region.
Israeli police and officials have blamed 'Israeli rioters' for the attacks, while Netanyahu blamed the diplomats for entering a 'sensitive area' without coordination. The incidents come as Netanyahu faces a critical election in October.