The key facts
- US Ambassador Mike Huckabee called the attack on photojournalist Heidi Levine a 'cowardly act of terror' and demanded imprisonment of those responsible
- The State Department expressed 'deep concern' and readiness to provide consular assistance
- Levine is a US citizen, a photojournalist for The Washington Post, and sustained serious injuries
US Ambassador Demands Investigation and Punishment
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Saturday called on Israeli authorities to investigate, arrest and bring to justice the participants in the attack on an American photojournalist in the occupied West Bank. In a post on the social network X, he called the attack on the female photographer 'a despicable act of terror by masked cowards' and said that those who attacked the unarmed reporter should spend 'years in prison.' 'We have demanded a full investigation, arrest and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law of everyone involved,' he added.
The Victim Is a Photojournalist for The Washington Post
Huckabee was referring to the attack on Heidi Levine, a photojournalist for The Washington Post. According to the ambassador, Levine sustained 'serious injuries as a result of a brutal and cowardly attack.' He emphasized that she is a US citizen with clearly designated journalist status.
State Department Reaction
On Friday, the US State Department said it was 'deeply concerned' about the attack on Levine by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. 'The State Department is aware of these reports. We are deeply concerned whenever any American is harmed abroad and stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance,' the department's spokesperson said in a written comment to the Anadolu agency.
