U.S. Ambassador Calls for Investigation and Prosecution After Journalist Attacked in West Bank

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said on social media that the assault on Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine during an olive-harvest incident in the West Bank was "vicious & cowardly" and urged a full investigation, arrests and prosecutions of those responsible.

Levine, an American citizen who identified herself as a journalist, was attacked by a group of masked men near the Palestinian village of Abu Falah. Video obtained by CBS News showed the assailants surrounding her, pushing her to the ground, beating her and taking her camera equipment. The Washington Post confirmed that Levine was knocked down, repeatedly kicked and robbed of her cameras and phone despite wearing a protective vest marked "PRESS" and a helmet.

"Those who attacked unarmed reporter should spend YRS (years) in prison," Huckabee wrote.

Israeli police and military have opened investigations into the incident. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned violence against anyone but described the attack as "alleged" and said the circumstances remain unclear.

Levine, a veteran photojournalist with more than four decades of experience covering conflict zones, remains hospitalized in Tel Aviv, recovering from hand surgery, broken ribs and other injuries sustained during the assault.