CNN reporter calls IDF spokesperson as settlers attack crew in Binyamin region; forces rescue team

A CNN reporter called the IDF spokesperson to report that settlers were blocking the road and attacking the crew in the Binyamin region, according to reports. IDF forces arrived and rescued the team after the settlers punctured the vehicle's tires. The incident was first reported earlier Saturday, with four suspects detained.

Earlier Saturday, a CNN news crew was attacked by masked settlers in the Binyamin region near the village of Sinjil. The crew's vehicle was blocked and one tire was punctured. The latest report adds that the CNN reporter contacted the IDF spokesperson during the attack, prompting the military to dispatch forces who rescued the team. Four suspects were detained and found with clubs and a knife in their vehicle, as previously reported.

As The Zioneer reported at 16:36 Jerusalem on Saturday, initial reports from Israeli media (N13, Army Radio) identified the victims as a CNN crew and noted that IDF forces detained four suspects. A subsequent update at the same time from Channel 12 confirmed that police found clubs and a knife in the suspects' vehicle and took testimony from the journalists. The thread has consistently reported the same core facts across multiple news outlets, with no contradictions.

The incident occurred against a backdrop of reported attacks on journalists in Israel. As The Zioneer reported on Tue Jun 30, 2026, journalists were attacked during a protest in Bnei Brak. Additionally, on Sun Jun 7, 2026, The Zioneer reported an unconfirmed settler attack on a Palestinian security officer near Ramallah.

The investigation is ongoing. It remains unclear whether the suspects will face charges beyond the initial detention, and whether the journalists sustained any injuries beyond the vehicle damage.

4 developments

1. 2 hours ago · 18:25 · 11 JulLatest

   CNN reporter contacted IDF spokesperson during the attack for rescue assistance.

2. 18:15 · 11 Jul

   CNN crew identified as victims of the Sinjil vehicle attack.

3. 16:38 · 11 Jul

   Police found clubs and a knife inside the suspects' vehicle.

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