Criminal10/21/2026

Nine Suspects Released in Case Involving Assaults on Journalist and Diplomats

Of the 11 people arrested in the violence case in the Binyamin area, decisions were made to release nine, and an indictment has already been filed against one. The court extended the detention of another suspect, while four were placed under house arrest until October 29, 2026.

Key facts

•Publication date: October 21, 2026
•11 suspects were arrested; decisions were made to release nine
•One suspect remained in detention until October 26, 2026
•Four were placed under house arrest until October 29, 2026
•An indictment was filed against one of those involved
•The court’s name and case numbers were not specified in the source

What Happened

The investigation concerns violence in the Binyamin area, including the assault of Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine and the alleged assault of foreign diplomats. Levine reported that she was beaten near an olive grove close to the village of Abu Falah in the Ramallah area, and that her cameras and phone were taken from her. The investigation is being conducted by the Judea and Samaria District Police Central Unit, with the participation of the Shin Bet, the Border Police and the Israel Defense Forces.

Decisions Regarding the Detainees

A total of 11 suspects were brought to hearings concerning the conditions of their release or detention. Three were released at an early stage, after which the police themselves released two more: one after his alibi was verified, and the other under conditions set by an officer at the conclusion of his questioning. Of the remaining five, the court agreed to extend the detention of only one until October 26, 2026, while four were placed under house arrest with restrictive conditions until October 29.

The Indictment and Appeal

An indictment was filed against a Samaria resident in his 20s for violating a lawful order and additional offenses not specified in the police statement. At the same time, a motion was filed to detain him until the conclusion of the proceedings. The police intend to appeal the release of one of the four suspects placed under house arrest and requested a stay of the decision’s implementation; the source does not report the outcome of the hearing on this request.

Basis for the Decisions

The source does not identify the court, the proceeding numbers or the specific statutory provisions applied in the hearing on detention measures. The report indicates that the court did not grant the police request to keep all five in detention, but the investigation concerning those released is continuing. The police stated that the case requires numerous and varied investigative actions.

What this means for you

Release from detention or transfer to house arrest does not mean that the investigation has ended or that a person has been found innocent. The court may modify detention measures, and the police may appeal the decision; one such appeal is planned in this case. The source does not provide the final outcome of the investigation or the legal proceeding.

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