Report: IDF Set To Bolster West Bank Forces After Surge In Settler Violence | LIVE BLOG
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- Netanyahu urges caution over West Bank attack on European diplomats, calls for 'compelling evidence' | LIVE BLOG
Netanyahu urges caution over West Bank attack on European diplomats, calls for 'compelling evidence' | LIVE BLOG
Additional troops are expected to focus on the Ramallah area following attacks on Palestinian olive harvesters and the alleged assault on a Washington Post photographer
The IDF was expected to deploy additional troops to the West Bank on Saturday following a sharp rise in settler violence against Palestinians during the olive harvest, Walla News reported, citing a security official.
The reinforcements were expected to focus on the Ramallah area, with a security assessment due in the coming days. Recent attacks included the torching of Palestinian vehicles, theft of harvested olives and beatings, with no arrests reported in those incidents, according to Walla.
On Friday, Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine was allegedly assaulted near the Palestinian village of Abu Falah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned violence against journalists and said those responsible would be held accountable, but stressed that the circumstances remained unclear and were under investigation. He also cautioned against using “disputed incidents” to “demonize” West Bank settlers.
Huckabee calls attack on US photographer a 'despicable act of terror carried out by masked cowards,' calls to prosecute to fullest extent of the law
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Netanyahu’s office calls for evidence over attack on European diplomats
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office urged caution over reports that European diplomats were attacked by masked Israelis in the West Bank, saying “serious accusations require serious evidence.”
“Any violence against diplomats is unacceptable,” the office said, while arguing that published footage and images did not establish the full sequence of events or individual responsibility. It said police and forensic investigators were investigating.
The office also pointed to the delegation’s lack of prior coordination with the IDF and raised concerns about what it called a “coordinated campaign to smear Israel” and Jewish West Bank residents during the annual olive harvest.
Herzog apologizes to Washington Post photographer attacked in West Bank
President Isaac Herzog apologized to Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine in a phone call after she was attacked by Israeli rioters in the West Bank on Friday.
“I express my deep sorrow and apologize for what you went through,” Herzog told Levine, condemning the “outrageous and shocking violence.”
Herzog also condemned Saturday’s attack on diplomatic representatives in Taybeh and called on government, security and law enforcement authorities to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.
Sa’ar condemns settler attack on diplomats in West Bank
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar strongly condemned the “severe acts of violence” by Israeli settlers against diplomatic representatives near the West Bank town of Taybeh.
Sa’ar said police had opened an investigation and forensic investigators were collecting evidence at the scene. The Foreign Ministry was in contact with the ambassadors of the countries concerned to help authorities identify the attackers and bring them to justice.
He also called it “unfortunate” that the visit had not been coordinated with the IDF, saying advance coordination could have helped protect the visitors.
IDF condemns attack on diplomats by Israeli rioters near Taybeh
The IDF condemned an attack on diplomatic representatives by Israeli rioters near the West Bank village of Taybeh, calling it a “severe act of violence.”
The military said police and forensic investigators were entering the area under army escort to collect evidence and take testimony as part of an investigation.
According to a preliminary inquiry, no soldiers were present during the attack. The IDF said the consular visit had not been coordinated with the military, adding that such coordination was important to prevent incidents of this kind.
The military said a report of the attack reached the brigade operations room, but that the room handled reports only from authorized security personnel, not civilians. It said civilians had other designated reporting channels and that all circumstances surrounding the incident would be examined.
Israeli police opens investigation after convoy of European diplomats was allegedly attacked by West Bank settlers
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Israeli civilian injured in West Bank confrontation with Palestinians, IDF says
An Israeli civilian was injured following a confrontation between several Israelis and Palestinians near the Palestinian town of Beit Lid in the northern West Bank, the IDF said.
The civilian was evacuated for medical treatment. Israeli troops and Border Police officers were dispatched to the area and were conducting searches, the military said, adding that reports of additional injuries were being examined.