U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned a Jewish settler siege targeting an American Palestinian family’s home in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, calling the action a “horrific act of terror” in a post on X according to the Associated Press. The multi-day siege in the village of Qusra left occupants trapped without food, water, or electricity before Israeli forces intervened.
The Siege of the Ridi Family Home in Qusra
The blockade began on Sunday in Qusra, located roughly 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of Nablus. According to local officials and family members cited by the Associated Press, up to dozens of men gathered near the home, threw stones, tried to pull down a nearby stone wall, and trapped the residents inside. Lou Ridi, the owner of the property who spoke to the Associated Press by phone from his home in Ohio, stated that his 48-year-old brother and nephew were holed up inside to defend the house and spent days without food or water.
Home security footage from Thursday morning showed settlers hiding near the damaged stone wall. Ridi noted that his property faced months of harassment prior to this escalation, including severed water and electricity lines and stone-throwing damage that also affected at least one neighboring house. “We are prisoners in our own house, hostages in our own house,” Ridi told the Associated Press.
Israeli Military Intervention and Evacuation
Israeli troops intervened late in the week to restore order. According to the Israeli military, forces dismantled two illegal outposts on the outskirts of Qusra and a nearby village overnight Thursday and detained one Israeli individual. The military deployed additional soldiers to the area to carry out defensive missions and patrols, while journalists reported that roads leading into the village were closed off.
On Thursday morning, the owner’s brother, Qusai Abu Rida, reported to the Associated Press that he and his teenage son were evacuated by the Israeli military. The immediate future of the targeted properties remains unclear. Israeli police did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding whether other civilians had been arrested in connection with the incident.
Did you know?
The village of Qusra has experienced recurring violence in recent months. Last month, a mosque in the village was set on fire during an apparent settler attack, which followed the killing of an Israeli settler and subsequent clashes that left two Israeli soldiers and four Palestinian villagers dead, according to Associated Press reporting.
Broader Context of West Bank Settlements and Political Tensions
Palestinians and the Israeli opposition accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hardline government of turning a blind eye to rising settler violence in the West Bank over the past few years. Ambassador Huckabee’s sharp public rebuke on X stood out given his history as a longtime ally of the settler movement who has previously expressed support for Israeli control over the occupied territory while condemning individual acts of violence.
International communities have consistently condemned the construction of new outposts by settlers, viewing them as an obstacle to establishing a future Palestinian state. Palestinians claim the West Bank, which Israel captured during the 1967 war, as part of their future territory. Conversely, many settlers and their supporters argue the region rightfully belongs to Israel based on historical, religious, and security grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the recent security surge in Qusra?
The Israeli military surged troops to Qusra following a multi-day siege of a Palestinian family home by Jewish settlers, which included stone-throwing, property damage, and the cutting off of basic supplies.
What action did U.S. officials take regarding the incident?
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee posted a sharp rebuke on X, describing the siege as a “horrific act of terror” and defending the Israeli military’s response.
Were any arrests made during the military operation?
The Israeli military reported detaining one Israeli individual and dismantling two illegal outposts on the outskirts of Qusra and a nearby village overnight Thursday.
Join the Conversation: What are your thoughts on the international response to rising tensions in the West Bank? Share your perspective in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing updates on Middle East developments.