Israeli Settlers Attack Palestinians, Journalist

Masked Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian olive harvesters in Abu Falah and other West Bank villages, setting fires and throwing stones as people gathered to harvest. Washington Post photojournalist Heidi LevineHeidi LevineAmerican photojournalist, visibly marked as press and wearing protective gear, was knocked down, kicked and beaten before attackers took her cameras, phone and belongings. The olive harvest is a yearly cultural tradition and key income source for Palestinian families, but settler attacks have repeatedly threatened access to groves. The U.N. reported more than 1,600 West Bank attacks between January and August. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned violence but said circumstances were unclear, while eyewitnesses said settlers attacked harvesters after soldiers arrived. The Washington Post urged a thorough investigation; Israeli policeIsrael Policecivilian police force of Israel and the military said they would investigate.