Israel Police Arrest Eight Suspects in settler Attacks

Israeli police have arrested eight suspects linked to attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians, European diplomats, and Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine in the West Bank, according to The Times of Israel.

The incidents occurred over the weekend. On Friday (October 17, 2026), Ms. Levine was attacked and injured while covering Palestinian olive harvesting in the Binyamin region. The next day, European diplomats from France, Belgium, and Poland were targeted near the Palestinian village of Taybeh.

The arrests were carried out during Operation “Olive Leaf,” conducted at dawn with support from Israel’s Shin Bet security agency and the IDF (Israel Defence Forces). Police stated that eight suspects had been taken into custody and several vehicles seized. IDF forces also dismantled illegal settler structures, enforced military orders, and investigated an unauthorized entry into a Palestinian home.

Ms. Levine sustained injuries to her limbs after being assaulted and underwent surgery at Beilinson Hospital. Her condition was reported as moderate.

The attacks sparked condemnation from European governments and Canada. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand called the incidents part of a broader pattern of settler violence, threatening peace efforts. She welcomed the police investigation but emphasized Israel’s responsibility to ensure accountability for diplomats and civilians.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also condemned the violence, stating that a police investigation was underway. However, he noted that the diplomatic delegation’s visit had not been coordinated with the IDF beforehand.

The IDF confirmed its involvement in collecting evidence alongside police officers and forensic investigators but clarified that no soldiers were present during the attacks. An initial report was sent to a military operations room for review.