Israeli police arrested 10 suspects early Monday in a pre-dawn operation targeting individuals linked to settler violence in the West Bank over the weekend.
The detainees, all Israeli citizens, face suspicions of involvement in acts of violence, violating a closed military zone order, and illegal construction. Officers seized potential evidence and vehicles during raids at multiple locations, with support from the Shin Bet security agency and the IDF.
The arrests follow attacks on Friday and Saturday. On Friday, Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine suffered severe injuries, including broken ribs and vertebrae, while covering Palestinian olive harvesting in the village of Abu Falah near Ramallah. She required surgery on a nearly severed finger.
Masked settlers attacked European diplomats from Belgium, France, and Poland, along with a French mayor and Catholic representatives, in the village of Taybeh on Saturday. The incidents occurred amid heightened tensions during the annual olive harvest.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee welcomed the action, calling it a positive development in holding perpetrators accountable. Israeli officials have faced international calls for stronger enforcement against settler violence.
Settler attacks on Palestinians and others have increased in recent weeks, with reports documenting hundreds of related incidents. Israeli police and military leaders have condemned the violence and pledged to pursue those responsible.
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