Washington Post CEO demands probe into settler attack on photographer in West Bank

The Washington Post CEO Jeff D'Onofrio on Saturday called for an investigation into the attack on one of the paper's photojournalists in the West Bank by Israeli settlers, and thanked US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and President Isaac Herzog for their words of condemnation of the attack."We appreciate Ambassador Huckabee's call for a robust investigation and accountability following the violent and unwarranted attack on our colleague, photographer Heidi Levine, in the West Bank," D'Onofrio wrote in a statement shared on X."We are also grateful for the supportive words of President Herzog and the condemnation issued by Israeli political leaders and dozens of former security and defense officials," he added, and also called on Israeli authorities to "conduct a prompt, thorough, and transparent investigation, hold those responsible accountable, and reaffirm their commitment to protecting press freedom and the safety of journalists."https://t.co/eVCB5gVVtS— Washington Post Communications (@WashPostComms) October 17, 2026Levine, who is an Israel-based photographer for the Washington Post, was wounded on Friday during an altercation between extremist settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank.Footage seen by The Jerusalem Post appears to show Levine kneeling on a path in a press jacket and helmet, as colleagues run over to carry her to safety.Police launched an investigation into the incident after receiving an IDF report of the West Bank clashes, according to an Israel Police spokesperson.Huckabee calls for investigation, Herzog condemns attackHuckabee called for the investigation, arrest, and prosecution "to the fullest extent of the law" of the participants in the attack. "Attacking a female photographer is [a] despicable act of terror carried out by masked cowards. Dishonorable act of senseless violence," he said.President Herzog condemned the “shocking violence” and said he had called Levine to apologize.“I expressed my deepest sorrow to Heidi and apologized for what she went through. The despicable behavior of the perpetrators of this attack does not represent the citizens or the values of the State of Israel.”