DeLauro Statement on Israeli Settler Attack on Washington Post Photojournalist Heidi Levine

October 16, 2026 Press Release Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released a statement following reports that West Bank settlers attacked Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine: “Today, masked Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian families harvesting olives in the West Bank village of Abu Falah. They also beat American photojournalist Heidi Levine, who was there on assignment for the Washington Post. I am relieved she is in stable condition, and I wish her a full recovery. “Video of the attack shows that Ms. Levine was wearing visible markings identifying her as journalist. She has said only her flak jacket and helmet kept her alive as they repeatedly kicked her. The farmers in the grove had no flak jackets and no helmets. They had no major American newspaper behind them. If the settlers will do this to an American journalist on camera, in broad daylight, imagine what Palestinian families face when no one is watching. “The Israeli military has said it will investigate this attack. That investigation must be real, and those responsible must be held accountable.”