US wants Israel to 'crack down' on settler violence in West Bank, Rubio says

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   US officials urge Israel to crack down on West Bank settler violence

   The United States is calling on Israel to stop extremist settler violence in the West Bank following an attack on a Washington Post photographer and Palestinian civilians. Senator Marco Rubio described himself as "very disturbed" by the violence and urged an Israeli crackdown. The US ambassador to Israel has specifically demanded that Israel prosecute those who attacked the American journalist. The Washington Post CEO is seeking an investigation into the incident, while the photographer's son reports that Jeff Bezos is shocked and seeking justice.

   Why it matters

   Settler violence has become a political liability for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israeli elections, with opponents accusing him of being soft on "Jewish terrorism." These tensions are heightened by ongoing disputes over Palestinian land and resources, including recent controversies regarding stolen olives.

   What is confirmed

   • Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians and a Washington Post photographer in the West Bank.
   • Senator Marco Rubio urged Israel to crack down on extremist settler violence.
   • The US ambassador to Israel called for the prosecution of the individuals who attacked the American journalist.
   • The Washington Post CEO has called for an investigation into the West Bank attack.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Jeff Bezos is shocked and will do everything to see justice served regarding the attack on the journalist.
   • A hardline Israeli rabbi issued a ruling on stolen Palestinian olives that prompted an uproar.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the requested investigation into the Washington Post photographer's assault.
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. The New York Times — Israeli Settlers Attack Palestinians and Washington Post Journalist in West Bank
   2. Al Jazeera — Hardline Israeli rabbi ruling on stolen Palestinian olives prompts uproar
   3. The Washington Post — Press Freedom This Week: Washington Post photographer attacked by Israeli settlers in West Bank
   4. Al Jazeera — US ambassador urges Israel to prosecute attackers of American journalist
   5. Reuters — US wants Israel to 'crack down' on settler violence in West Bank, Rubio says
   6. The Hill — Huckabee condemns Israeli settlers’ attack on Washington Post photojournalist
   7. The Times of Israel — ‘Very disturbed’ Rubio urges Israeli crackdown on extremist settler violence
   8. The Times of Israel — Son of WaPo journalist beaten by settlers: 'We were told Bezos is shocked, will do everything to see justice served'
   9. The Jerusalem Post — Washington Post CEO thanks Huckabee, Herzog for support, calls for investigation into WB attack
   10. The Hill — US ambassador to Israel condemns settler attack on US journalist, and other Mideast news
   11. www.straitstimes.com — On Israeli election eve, settler violence becomes Netanyahu liability
   confidence 90%