The attack occurred during a sensitive period - the olive harvest season - and is just one example of rampant settler violence that continues to plague the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly claimed that such incidents are carried out by a small number of troublemakers, but critics argue that this downplays the severity of the issue.

Photographer Heidi Levine was left shaken by the incident and expressed her disappointment in a statement from her hospital bed. She took particular umbrage with Netanyahu's characterization of the attack as "alleged, citing the overwhelming evidence of settler involvement.

Levine received an outpouring of support from Israel's president, who condemned the attack in a personal call to the injured photographer. Several top former security and intelligence officials also signed a letter expressing their collective shame over the incident.

As Netanyahu faces growing international pressure on issues related to the settlements, this latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the contentious nature of the West Bank dispute. With just two weeks left until crucial elections, it remains to be seen how Netanyahu will address the concerns of his critics and the international community.

The olive harvest season has been marked by an alarming number of attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, with hundreds reportedly targeted and a few losing their lives.

Photographer Linda Levine was among those attacked last week, with rights groups pointing to the destruction of olive trees - a vital part of Palestinian heritage and history. These incidents have sparked widespread concern about the increasing violence against Palestinians.

Levine herself has been covering the region for over 40 years and expressed her dismay at the current state of affairs in Israel. She attributed the attack on her to Jewish terrorists and highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that she had never seen the country in such a poor condition before.

The incident has also drawn condemnation from various quarters, including U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, who described it as a despicable act of terror carried out by masked cowards. He emphasized that those responsible should face severe punishment, including lengthy prison sentences.

Visits from high-profile figures have been made to Levine in her recovery period, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and former general Yair Golan among them. Herzog's words were particularly noteworthy, as he expressed his shame over the attack and referred to the perpetrators as a stain on Israeli society".

Levine's efforts to document the escalating violence in the West Bank have not gone unnoticed by a group of former Israeli officials who are speaking out against the actions of extremist settlers.

A letter signed by over a dozen former security and intelligence officials, including Moshe Yaalon, Tamir Pardo, and Ami Ayalon, was shared with the AP. The letter expresses deep shame and regret that Jewish terrorists in the West Bank continue to inflict harm on innocent Palestinians.

The signatories acknowledge that the brutality of these acts brings disgrace upon Israel and the Jewish people, undermining its security, regional standing, and moral fabric. They also note that such actions represent a betrayal of everything they have dedicated their lives to defending.

The recent attack on a photographer by settlers in the West Bank has left many Palestinians wondering who will protect them from such violence. Rights groups have noted that few settlers are held accountable for their actions, despite an increase in attacks over the years.

Despite being physically assaulted, the photographer is determined to continue her work, saying she has invested decades of dedication into her craft and refuses to let the attack break her spirit. Her words seem to be a direct challenge to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who she feels should take action to address the surge in settler violence.

ABC News International: https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/photographer-attacked-settlers-west-bank-feels-insulted-netanyahu-137363206

At least four people have been killed and over 100 injured since the olive harvest began earlier this month, with the Palestinian Health Ministry reporting a significant increase in violence during this period. Activists claim that Israeli authorities do not take adequate measures to prevent attacks involving weapons such as slingshots and guns.

The attack on European diplomats was particularly severe, targeting Belgium's consul general and Catholic representatives among others. The French mayor present at the scene was assaulted, and a Belgian vehicle sustained damage in the incident.

Video footage shared by an activist at the scene shows the French mayor leaning against a vehicle while seated on the ground, wearing a tricolor sash. Other clips depict masked men knocking on a driver's side window, asking for identification, as others carrying sticks approach in the distance.

The Belgian foreign minister has linked the attack to Israel's "illegal settlement policy" and pledged to push for further European Union sanctions against Israel. He also emphasized the need to end impunity for violent settlers involved in such attacks.

The masked settlers' attack on European diplomats has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the security situation in the occupied West Bank.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers threatened to kill the diplomats during the violent incident on Saturday. This brazen act of aggression has left many questioning the government's ability to maintain law and order in the region.

The timing of the attack is particularly significant, coming just weeks before Israel's closely contested elections. The Netanyahu government, criticized for its handling of security and treatment of Palestinians, faces growing pressure from domestic critics and international observers.

Israeli authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with police vowing to bring all perpetrators to justice. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the attack, describing it as a severe act of violence carried out by Israeli rioters.

The Netanyahu government's response to the attack has been met with skepticism, with some accusing officials of trying to downplay the severity of the incident and deflect attention from their own policies.

The attack on European diplomats by masked settlers in the occupied West Bank has sent shockwaves across the international community. The incident has been described as a form of "Jewish terror" by Israeli General Gadi Eisenkot, echoing the sentiments expressed by photographer Heidi Levine, who was herself targeted in the assault.

Levine, speaking from her hospital bed, expressed her dismay at Prime Minister Netanyahu's characterization of the attack as an alleged one. With over 40 years of experience covering the region, she described the current state of Israel as unprecedented and disturbing. Her account serves as a stark reminder of the escalating tensions in the area.

The West Bank settlements, which are considered illegal by the United Nations and much of the international community, continue to expand with hundreds of unauthorized outposts established by settlers. Despite their lack of government approval, these outposts receive protection from the Israeli military, further exacerbating the situation.

The occupation of the West Bank, along with Gaza and east Jerusalem, dates back to the 1967 Mideast war, where Israel captured these territories. The Palestinians have long sought a future state encompassing these areas, but the ongoing settlement expansion has made this goal increasingly unlikely.

ABC News International: https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/masked-settlers-attack-european-diplomats-occupied-west-bank-137348438

Zacharia's tenure was marked by controversy from the start. She held only one press briefing on Tuesday, which drew attention from just three news outlets. This limited engagement suggests she struggled to establish herself in her new role. Her defense of being a lawyer despite lacking bar certification has raised eyebrows within the legal community.

In California, multiple large brush fires are forcing residents to evacuate their homes. A blaze in Malibu prompted evacuation orders and warnings for those living in the Santa Monica Mountains. Another fire burned several homes in Orange County, with power companies shutting off service to tens of thousands of customers.

The West Bank is also witnessing unrest as Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians collecting their autumn olive harvest. Dozens of cars and trees were set ablaze during the violence, which has sparked outrage among Palestinian communities. The situation remains tense, with no immediate signs of de-escalation.

Strong Santa Ana winds have been making it difficult for firefighters to contain the blaze, with gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour in some areas.

The hot and dry conditions are expected to persist through Saturday, further increasing the risk of fires spreading.

In a separate incident, violence erupted in the West Bank as dozens of Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians gathered for their autumn olive harvest. The settlers set cars and trees ablaze, while masked men chased and beat people with gas canisters.

More than a dozen people were injured across at least eight villages, including American photojournalist Heidi Levine from The Washington Post. She described the attackers as "monsters who are giving Israel a bad name worldwide.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violence but questioned the circumstances surrounding the assault, saying they remain unclear and under investigation, while The Washington Post expressed outrage over the attack on one of their journalists.

President Trump has expressed his disapproval of Ukraine's decision to resume strikes on Russian oil refineries, calling it a disgrace". This move comes after a brief pause in such attacks following Trump's declaration of an energy cease-fire on Sunday.

However, Russia continued its own strikes despite the temporary halt by Ukraine. The situation remains volatile as both sides engage in intense military activities, with Kyiv facing significant challenges in its efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression.

The humanitarian crisis is deepening in Ukraine, with reports emerging that at least 15 people were injured nationwide due to recent Russian attacks. Furthermore, a sharp increase in Ukrainian civilian casualties has been reported over the past few weeks, according to official figures.

Meanwhile, the Vatican has announced that Pope Leo held a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin today, during which he expressed his deep concern for the humanitarian situation in the occupied town of Oleshky near the front lines.

The Kremlin has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin supports the Vatican's call for humanitarian aid to reach residents in a occupied town.

Meanwhile, new images of Pope Leo have been released by the Vatican, showing him celebrating mass at a hospital in Rome where he is being treated following his recent lung cancer surgery. Church officials indicate that Pope Leo plans to deliver traditional prayers this Sunday, although it remains unclear whether he will do so from the Vatican or remotely from the hospital.

PBS NewsHour Politics: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/news-wrap-zacharia-out-as-white-house-press-secretary-after-less-than-a-week-on-the-job

Zacharia's resume has been a subject of interest due to discrepancies in her claimed experience. Specifically, it emerged that she had falsely stated passing the California bar exam, which she later acknowledged under pressure.

In addition to this revelation, Zacharia was also linked to an affiliate marketing role for Beachbody, a fitness company with multi-level marketing (MLM) business practices.

A recent announcement about Katie Zacharia's involvement in a startup appears to have been made without her knowledge or consent. The press release, which stated that she was joining the board of NRED, an AI and rare-earths company, has not been approved by Zacharia herself.

According to Sam Amsterdam, a strategic marketing and media engagement professional who claims to represent Zacharia, the release was issued without her consent. Amsterdam's clients have included various governments and political parties around the world, including Kazakhstan, Georgia, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe.

Amsterdam clarified that while discussions about Zacharia joining NRED had taken place, she never actually took on the role. Despite this, the press release announcing her involvement is still listed on NRED's website as of last Friday.

An archived version of NovaRed's website reveals that Zacharia was listed as part of the management team as far back as July.

Saitarli, the founder of NovaRed, attributed the outdated information to the site being in the process of an update.

Zacharia's involvement with NovaRed is particularly noteworthy given her previous role at DHS, where she worked under Noem for a brief period before joining NovaRed eight days after Noem's appointment was announced.

The spring saw a significant shift in NovaRed's advisory board, which began to feature high-profile individuals with ties to the defense sector and MAGA.

NovaRed's advisory board underwent significant changes in the spring, but one individual caught the attention of at least one insider. Ehr, a company executive, expressed his surprise and concern when he discovered that Kristi Noem and another DHS spokesperson, Katie Zacharia, had been added to the board.

Ehr claimed to have no knowledge about mining or commodities, which seemed unrelated to NovaRed's focus on AI research. He was particularly troubled by Noem's inclusion due to her involvement in a high-profile ICE occupation in Minneapolis that had received widespread criticism.

The hiring practices of NovaRed, a rare-earths startup, have raised eyebrows among industry insiders. Ehr, who served on its advisory board, expressed surprise at the lack of technical expertise among its new recruits. He expected to see geologists or consultants with mining industry experience, but instead found individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Gregory Fedun, for instance, brought a unique set of skills to the table, having previously advised the Al Mualla Royal Family on international projects. Media executive Lee Caplin, known for his work on HBO's True Detective series, was also part of the team. Ehr's concerns about NovaRed's hiring practices likely contributed to his decision to resign from the advisory board.

As Zacharia navigated her own controversies surrounding Beachbody, a multi-level marketing company she had previously affiliated with, she sought to clarify her relationship with NovaRed. Meanwhile, Ehr was grappling with the implications of Noem's involvement in the startup. His reservations about the federal government's priorities likely influenced his decision to step down from the advisory board.

The unusual combination of individuals associated with NovaRed has sparked questions about its goals and motivations. As the company continues to attract attention, it remains to be seen how these developments will play out.

The controversy surrounding Katie Zacharia and her involvement with an AI rare-earths startup continues to unfold. Summers, a representative of the company, has pushed back against claims that the venture was a "pyramid scheme", which Zacharia had previously described.

Summers' response suggests a differing perspective on the business model, one that may be at odds with Zacharia's characterization. When asked about her own thoughts on Zacharia's rapid rise to prominence, Summers offered only kind words for her former colleague.

Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/katie-zacharia-was-linked-to-an-ai-rare-earths-startup-its-even-weirder-than-it-sounds/

Zacharia's tenure was marked by controversy from the start, with many questioning whether she had overstated her qualifications. Her background as a conservative commentator and adviser to the company behind Truth Social has been scrutinized, particularly given her recent appointment to such a high-profile role. The White House had announced her selection on October 9.

Zacharia's only briefing as press secretary was met with skepticism from journalists and observers alike. The session, which lasted mere minutes, saw her take just three questions before abruptly ending the Q&A period. Her decision to do so has been seen as a sign of inexperience or perhaps even an attempt to avoid further scrutiny.

The criticism surrounding Zacharia's qualifications extends beyond her professional background. In a recent interview with Fox News, she was asked about her status as a lawyer after failing the bar exam. She responded by downplaying its significance, suggesting that it would not be relevant while living in China. This assertion has been met with skepticism, given the importance of having proper legal credentials.

The White House itself appears to be trying to distance itself from Zacharia's short-lived tenure. While officials have stopped short of explicitly confirming her departure, they are hinting at a transition period. Trump himself has weighed in on the matter, reportedly urging Zacharia to reconsider taking on the role.

Zacharia's tenure as White House press secretary was marked by a series of interviews with conservative media outlets, where she reflected on her first briefing in the role.

In an interview with Human Events, Zacharia explained that she had not been fully prepared for her initial briefing due to time constraints and that it was always intended to be brief. This decision was reportedly driven by President Donald Trump's preference for engaging directly with the press corps.

Zacharia stated that she aimed to keep the briefing short, given the President's tendency to take questions from journalists in person. She acknowledged that her goal was to give President Trump ample opportunity to address the media himself.

According to Zacharia, she received the initial briefing materials on Monday evening and completed them by 8 a.m. on Tuesday, just under two hours before appearing before the White House press corps. Despite being up since 3 a.m., she admitted that she had not had time for a full preparation beforehand.

In an interview with Fox News commentator Sean Hannity, Zacharia expressed regret over taking questions from the press without adequate preparation. She suggested that it might have been wiser to limit her role to introducing herself and engaging with the press corps rather than attempting to lead the briefing.

Zacharia's background in law was a topic of scrutiny during her brief tenure as White House press secretary, and it appears that personal circumstances may have contributed to her lack of preparation for the role.

She revealed that she had recently gotten married and was planning to move to China with her husband, who works in private equity in Beijing. At the time, Zacharia was also preparing to take the bar exam in California, but ultimately did not pass.

Zacharia's decision to pursue a career in law while living abroad may have been influenced by her circumstances, as she downplayed the significance of not passing the bar exam.

She consulted with multiple legal experts to ensure that her use of the title "lawyer" was accurate when providing legal analysis, and maintained that it was not a misrepresentation. Zacharia emphasized that she never presented herself as an attorney-at-law, but rather provided general knowledge on legal matters.

Zacharia's approach to securing the White House press secretary position was also highlighted during her tenure. She stated that she had not actively lobbied for the role, and instead allowed others to recommend her for the vacancy left by Karoline Leavitt.

Katie Zacharia's tenure as White House press secretary lasted just five days before she stepped down from the role.

To prepare for her potential new job, Zacharia would closely monitor President Trump's social media posts to determine what was on his mind, then use that information to discuss relevant topics in TV appearances. By being visible and showcasing her expertise, she hoped to catch the president's eye and be considered for the position. According to her own philosophy, getting recruited by the president would be a more effective approach than actively lobbying for the job.

Zacharia was on a family outing at a pumpkin patch with one of her children when President Trump unexpectedly called her about the press secretary role. She quickly flew out from California to Washington the next day and met with the president about the position on Friday, before formally accepting the job later that same day.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/16/white-house-press-secretary-katie-zacharia-lawyer/

The coordinated attack was part of a rising trend of settler violence during the olive harvest season in the occupied Palestinian territory. According to eyewitnesses, dozens of masked and black-clad militants descended from a hill above a terraced olive grove where villagers were gathered to pick ripe fruit.

Some 80 settlers, including those carrying gas canisters, took positions in front of the lanes of olive trees, using slings to launch rocks towards Palestinian villagers. The villagers responded by throwing stones to defend themselves as tensions escalated.

The attack occurred during a cherished annual tradition in Palestinian life, where families gather to harvest olives from their land. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with settlers burning olive trees and throwing rocks at Palestinians.

The injured American journalist is a photographer for The Washington Post, but details about his condition are not immediately available.

The violence escalated as Israeli soldiers and border police arrived on the scene, but instead of intervening, they joined in the assault against the Palestinian villagers. The sound of live gunfire filled the air, causing even more panic among those caught in the crossfire.

Witnesses described seeing at least one armed settler firing a gun during the attack, while others reported that Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters into the crowd. The chaos was intense, with people running for their lives as the situation rapidly spiralled out of control.

The Israeli military claimed that its troops had deployed to the area in response to a perceived threat and had fired warning shots to disperse the crowd. However, Palestinian medics reported two injuries among the villagers, with both individuals being taken to hospitals in Ramallah.

Video footage from the scene showed Heidi Levine, a photojournalist for The Washington Post, lying on her side on a dirt path as she shielded herself from the chaos around her. At least three settlers surrounded her, while others were seen fleeing the area amidst the gunfire and tear gas.

The Israeli military's statement downplayed the severity of the situation, describing the firing of warning shots and towards an individual who was perceived to be a threat as necessary measures to maintain security in the region. However, Palestinian officials condemned the attack as another example of Israel's ongoing efforts to incite violence against its civilian population.

In recent years, there have been numerous reports of Israeli settlers targeting Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest season, with many accusing the government of turning a blind eye to these incidents. The latest attack has sparked widespread outrage among Palestinians and their international supporters, who are demanding greater action from the international community to address Israel's ongoing human rights abuses in the occupied territories.

Levine's harrowing experience is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists reporting in the West Bank. The Washington Post photographer was attacked by Israeli settlers while covering the olive harvest, a critical time for Palestinian farmers who rely on their crops to make a living.

The attack left Levine with injuries, but fortunately she was wearing a flak jacket and helmet that helped protect her from more severe harm. Her colleagues intervened quickly to stop the assault, which allowed medics to rush her to a clinic in Abu Falah before transferring her to a hospital in Ramallah for further treatment.

As news of the attack spread, Washington Post executives expressed outrage at the incident. In a statement, executive editor Matt Murray called for an investigation into the matter, emphasizing that Levine was clearly identifiable as a journalist and therefore entitled to protection.

The Israeli settler violence against Palestinians has seen a significant surge in recent weeks, with over 170 incidents recorded since September 27, according to monitoring group Yesh Din. This escalation is attributed to the influence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government, which has overseen a rapid expansion of settlements and smaller outposts across the West Bank.

The international community has been increasingly critical of Israel's expansion of settlements in the West Bank, with some longtime allies considering sanctions.

This criticism is largely driven by the fact that the West Bank is home to both over 500,000 settlers and a population of at least three million Palestinians, with most countries deeming the settlements illegal under international law regarding military occupations.

The recent attacks on Palestinian farmers in the Turmus Ayya village, including one where settlers burned three cars after attacking a group of olive harvesters, have drawn widespread condemnation.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20261016-us-journalist-injured-during-israeli-settler-attack-on-west-bank-olive-harvest

The brief Q&A session saw Zacharia call on just three reporters from conservative outlets, including Breitbart, Fox News, and the Daily Mail. She devoted most of her time to reading prepared remarks rather than engaging directly with journalists. This approach was notable given the typical practice in White House press briefings.

Zacharia used her opening remarks to highlight President Trump's policies and present herself as a key messenger for his administration. As she spoke, she framed her role as a means to "amplify" the president's message, echoing a phrase often used by conservative commentators. She emphasized that her goal is to support the president in communicating his vision.

The brevity of Zacharia's first press briefing was striking, especially given the significance of this moment for her and the administration. With midterm elections just weeks away, President Trump is increasingly focused on rallying his base through a series of campaign trips. As the new White House spokesperson, Zacharia will play a crucial role in promoting the president's agenda.

The White House has announced that President Trump will continue his aggressive campaign schedule in the run-up to the midterm elections, with upcoming stops planned for Kentucky, Georgia, and Florida.

Despite this momentum, however, voters are increasingly dissatisfied with the president's performance, according to recent polling data. The latest numbers show a significant drop-off in approval ratings, with 41% of registered voters now disapproving of the president's handling of key issues.

This trend is particularly concerning for the administration, given that voters have also expressed strong disapproval of the president's economic policies, which are seen as a major contributor to rising fuel prices and inflation.

The new White House press secretary, Katie Zacharia, has been adjusting to her role and navigating the challenges of communicating with a changing media landscape.

In recent days, it's become clear that the president has been opting for smaller venues where his messages can be delivered without the scrutiny of a packed briefing room. This shift in strategy is likely driven by concerns about how his words will be received by the public and the press corps.

Zacharia addressed these changes during her first briefing, expressing her views on expanding the media seat to include non-traditional outlets, a decision made by her predecessor Karoline Leavitt before she left the administration.

Katie Zacharia's first briefing as White House press secretary was marked by a shift in approach from her predecessors. She kept the briefing brief and focused on expanding the media seat to include non-traditional outlets, a decision made by her predecessor before she left.

Zacharia had previously served as a senior communications adviser for Trump Media & Technology Group, giving her a unique perspective on the president's communication style. During her visit to the White House on Friday, Trump showed her the ballroom site where he plans to hold future events, fueling speculation about his vision for America's greatness.

NBC News Politics: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trumps-new-white-house-press-secretary-katie-zacharia-first-briefing-rcna602948