Israel frees from custody almost all suspects in two settler attacks, puts them under house arrest

Israel released nine of ten suspects arrested for extremist settler attacks on a US journalist and European diplomats, placing them under house arrest. The suspects were detained after US and European calls for action. A right-wing law firm claimed the arrests were 'for show.' Israeli police said one suspect remains in custody. The article reports the release but lacks victim perspectives and full police responses.

Israel has released from custody nine of the ten suspects arrested in connection with extremist settler attacks on a US journalist and European diplomats, placing them under house arrest. The suspects were detained after the United States, France, Belgium and Poland urged Israel to take action following the assault on Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine, who was covering a Palestinian olive harvest in the occupied West Bank. French, Belgian and Polish diplomats and a French mayor were also attacked by masked settlers in another part of the West Bank on Saturday. Right-wing law firm Honenu, which represents settlers, said a Jerusalem court ordered the release, with attorney Asaf Gonen claiming the arrests were 'for show, false arrests intended to satisfy media pressure and foreign interests.' Judge Moria Charka stated that from the single video presented, the assault took place during a larger incident of massive stone-throwing by Palestinians. Israeli police said only one suspect remains in custody and the investigation continues. Israeli rights group Yesh Din reported 125 physical attacks on Palestinian olive harvesters over 24 days since the season began, noting that in most cases no arrests are made. The Palestinian Authority said Israeli settlers have killed at least 30 Palestinians since the beginning of the year.