Rubio: "Very concerned about settler violence. Don't want a new spark that ignites escalation"

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed deep concern over the rise in settler violence in Judea and Samaria, particularly the attack on American photojournalist Heidi Levine, who works for the Washington Post. Rubio said the US administration demands Israel act decisively against the phenomenon and warned of further escalation in the region. According to him, President Trump has repeatedly made clear his opposition to violent incidents in the West Bank. Rubio noted that the administration is still awaiting full details on the circumstances of the incident, and that the State Department has requested additional information from the US embassy. He clarified that the removal of sanctions on settlers does not legitimize violence. Rubio also referred to the olive harvest season, during which the events occurred, and said the administration is closely monitoring developments.