Israel arrests 10 after West Bank settler attacks on US photographer, French mayor

Israeli police announced on Monday the arrest of ten individuals in the occupied West Bank following a series of settler attacks against a US photographer and a French mayor. These violent incidents, which occurred over the weekend, drew international condemnation and raised concerns about escalating settler violence. Major General Moshe Finchi, the West Bank commander, stated that police conducted a pre-dawn raid across the territory, seizing vehicles and evidence related to the attacks.

The suspects were apprehended on charges of participating in violent acts, breaching military orders for a closed zone, and engaging in unauthorized construction. Witnesses reported an increase in violent incidents targeting Palestinians during the olive harvest season, as settlers aim to seize their land. Human rights groups noted that Israel seldom prosecutes settlers when Palestinian victims are involved.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seeking re-election, has attempted to appease his pro-settlement base but faced criticism from opponents accusing him of tarnishing Israel's image. US Ambassador Mike Huckabee condemned the beating of veteran photographer Heidi Levine as "terror" and called for punishment. Levine, a 65-year-old Washington Post reporter, suffered broken vertebrae and was hospitalized.

Her hospital visit included calls from President Isaac Herzog and opposition leader Yair Golan, who vowed no further terror by Jews. Despite the arrests, new attacks continued, including an attempted school storm near olive groves and the wounding of a young man near Nablus. US State Department Human Rights Advisor Riley Barnes visited the French mayor's town, Taybeh, on a military-coordinated trip, emphasizing international concerns about the situation.