Ambassador's Strong Words
During a visit to the village of Turmus Ayya on Saturday, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee met with Palestinian American residents who described the impact of recent violence on their lives and properties. He condemned the actions of Israeli settlers, calling them 'terrorists' and describing their behavior as an 'act of terror.' This language is typically reserved for Palestinian militants by US officials.[S1]
Huckabee detailed specific acts, including burning cars, torching mosques, and vandalizing homes with graffiti, stating that such actions go beyond criminal acts. He made these remarks in a village that has reported frequent settler attacks over the past year.[S1]
Context of Rising Violence
The UN humanitarian office reports that these incidents have escalated since the Gaza conflict started after the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The ambassador had previously used the term 'terrorists' last month following disturbances in Qusra, where settlers encircled homes, including one belonging to a Palestinian American.[S1]
Days later, residents of Bazariya said settlers burned a mosque and left graffiti reading 'Huckabee regards from the terrorists' in Hebrew. Huckabee responded on Saturday, saying he was glad they admitted it, though he believed they represent a very tiny minority.[S1]
Official Reactions
A week prior, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the actions of a 'small group of troublemakers,' and the foreign ministry labeled the settlers' behavior 'shameful.' These remarks underscore the contrast between the US ambassador's forceful denunciation and the more tempered responses from Israeli officials.[S1]
