U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has publicly denounced the recent assault on a Washington Post photojournalist in the West Bank, labeling the incident a “vicious” and “cowardly” act of violence. In a statement posted to X, the ambassador called for a thorough investigation and legal accountability for the masked Israeli settlers involved.
The attack occurred while photojournalist Heidi Levine, an American citizen, was covering a story in the West Bank. Video footage shared by the Post shows Levine wearing visible press credentials as she was set upon by a group of masked individuals. Even after she fell to the ground, the assailants continued their assault until other journalists intervened to protect her.
Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor, did not mince words in his condemnation. “Heidi is US Citizen, clear ID as journalist. Details of who under investigation, but those who attacked unarmed reporter should spend YRS in prison,” he wrote. He also emphasized that the U.S. has “called for a full investigation, arrest, and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law to whoever participated in this.”
In his Saturday statement, Huckabee went further, describing the assault as “an act of terror” and referring to the perpetrators as “cowards.” He wrote: “Attacking a female photographer is despicable act of terror carried out by masked cowards. Dishonorable act of senseless violence.” This language is consistent with his past characterization of violent settlers as “terrorists.”
The attack drew swift condemnation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated on Friday that “those responsible will be held accountable.” The incident has also reignited concerns about the rising tide of settler violence in the West Bank. According to the United Nations, more than 1,600 attacks were reported between January and August alone.
This latest episode comes amid ongoing political friction in Washington over how to address such violence. In September, Senate Democrats pushed for a measure that would have required the Trump administration to produce a report on violence against U.S. citizens in the West Bank, with the threat of halting U.S. aid to Israel if it failed to do so. That effort was defeated in a 47-51 vote.
The assault on Levine has also drawn attention to the broader risks faced by journalists covering the region. The Committee to Protect Journalists and other press freedom groups have repeatedly warned about the dangers of reporting in conflict zones, where even clearly identified media personnel can become targets.
As the investigation unfolds, Huckabee’s strong words signal a potential shift in tone from the Trump administration, which has generally been supportive of Israeli policies. Whether this rhetoric translates into concrete action remains to be seen, but the ambassador’s call for prison time for the attackers sets a clear marker.
The incident also underscores the challenges for Washington as it seeks to navigate its alliances in the region. With Washington's diplomatic efforts in the Horn of Africa already complicated by Israel-Turkey rivalries, any escalation in West Bank violence could further strain U.S. credibility as a mediator.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring that those responsible for the attack on Levine are brought to justice. As Huckabee put it, the assault was a “disgraceful act of senseless violence” that must not go unpunished.
