US ambassador calls violent Israeli settlers ‘terrorists’ after weeks of West Bank unrest

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has strongly condemned violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, referring to their actions as an "act of terror." This statement was made during a visit to Palestinian American residents in the village of Turmus Ayya, who have experienced numerous attacks. Huckabee used the term "terrorists" to describe settlers engaging in acts like squatting, burning cars, torching mosques, and vandalizing homes, distinguishing these actions as extending beyond criminal behavior. These attacks have reportedly increased since the war in Gaza began. Huckabee had previously used the term "terrorists" last month following unrest in Qusra, where settlers surrounded homes, including one belonging to a Palestinian American. The ambassador acknowledged graffiti left by settlers in Bazariya that referenced his earlier comments.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has strongly condemned violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, labeling their actions as "acts of terror." During a visit to the village of Turmus Ayya, Huckabee met with Palestinian American residents affected by months of attacks, which have surged since October 7, 2023. He reiterated his use of the term "terrorists" for such settlers, a designation typically reserved for Palestinian militants. Huckabee emphasized that while the U.S. Embassy cannot investigate crimes, it expects the host government to address these issues. The ambassador's remarks follow similar condemnations from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who referred to the perpetrators as a "handful of rioters." The article notes that most of the international community considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank to be illegal.

United States Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited the occupied West Bank to meet with local officials and Palestinian Americans who have experienced violence from Israeli settlers. Huckabee stated that the Israeli government has a responsibility to ensure the safety of Palestinians in the West Bank, particularly following a rise in settler pogroms. He described some settlers committing violence as "terrorists." Analysts, however, view his visit as symbolic. Palestinian Americans met with Huckabee to convey that the violence against them is systematic and requires actual change. One Palestinian American, Ruwan Alqam, shared her family's experiences with roadblocks and settler encounters since relocating to the West Bank.