Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray calls the attack on Levine unwarranted and urges an investigation
Matt MurrayExecutive editor of The Washington Post
The Post's executive editor says the paper is outraged by the unwarranted attack on Levine and urges authorities to investigate thoroughly and follow through.
“While we are relieved that Heidi has received medical care and is safe, we are outraged by this unwarranted attack on a journalist doing her job and urge a thorough investigation and follow-through from authorities.”
Reporting
Where this statement fits
Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine is beaten near Abu Falah; Netanyahu's office says the facts are unclear
Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine was beaten near the West Bank village of Abu Falah on October 16, 2026, while covering the olive harvest. She and other journalists at the scene said masked Israeli settlers attacked harvesters and reporters. The Israeli military condemned the incident and police opened an investigation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the facts remain unclear, and the Post's executive editor replied that Levine was clearly marked as press and clearly beaten.
Source and context
Reporting
About this source
The Washington Post's report on the attack near Abu Falah, as republished by the Anchorage Daily News. It includes Levine's account, witness accounts, statements from the Israeli military, police and the Prime Minister's Office, and the Post's own statement.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Murray's statement opens by saying Levine was attacked by Israeli settlers that morning while reporting in the West Bank and was wearing visible markings identifying her as a journalist.
After the quotation
Israeli police said they would send investigators to the scene.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The reference point is the October 16, 2026 beating of Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine near Abu Falah, which she and other witnesses attributed to masked Israeli settlers. Murray calls it an unwarranted attack that outraged the paper and asks for a thorough investigation, which condemns it.
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More from this case
Read the full caseCory Booker says the attack on Levine demands a full investigation
“Civilians and journalists should never be targets. I'm horrified by attacks on Palestinian villagers and Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine. This attack, along with reports that nearby Israeli security forces did not intervene, demands a full investigation and real accountability”Read statement
Matt Murray replies to Netanyahu's office that Levine was clearly beaten
“To be clear: Some facts are neither in dispute nor unclear. Our photographer was clearly marked as Press. She was clearly beaten. These are not partisan or risible statements, but indisputable. We urge a thorough investigation and accountability.”Read statement
Netanyahu's office says the facts of the Abu Falah confrontation remain unclear
Prime Minister’s Office of Israel
“The facts surrounding the confrontation near Abu Falah, during which Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine was allegedly assaulted, remain unclear and are under investigation.”Read statement
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- Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray calls the attack on Levine unwarranted and urges an investigation
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The Dispute Index. "Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray calls the attack on Levine unwarranted and urges an investigation". First published: 2026-10-20. Last updated: 2026-10-20. https://disputeindex.com/events/6134-the-post-s-executive-editor-says-the-paper