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US Ambassador Mike Huckabee Condemns West Bank Settler Siege as Terrorism
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denounced the actions of Israeli settlers surrounding Palestinian homes in the West Bank village of Qusra as an “horrible act of terrorism.” According to messages published on X by Ambassador Huckabee, the ongoing siege targeting two families has left residents trapped and unable to access basic supplies, prompting direct diplomatic intervention.
Diplomatic Fallout and US Citizen Involvement in Qusra
The situation in Qusra, located south-east of Nablus, escalated significantly because one of the targeted properties belongs to a US citizen. Loui Ridi, an American resident, monitored the events from thousands of miles away via home security cameras. According to reports from the Times of Israel, the footage showed settlers gathered outside the home of his brother and nephew while Israeli soldiers were also present in the area.
Ambassador Huckabee rejected claims that Washington failed to act. He stated that the US Embassy has been heavily involved, noting that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Police deployed to the area at American request to remove the individuals responsible. Huckabee explicitly categorized the actions as criminal and terroristic, writing that “there is no excuse for such violent behavior.”
IDF Operations and Local Impact on the Ground
The Israeli military has attempted multiple interventions to clear the area. According to public broadcaster Kan, the IDF dispatched the 51st battalion of the Golani Brigade and ordered residents in the immediate area to evacuate within an hour ahead of a multi-day military operation. Soldiers utilized tear gas against settlers who resisted the dismantling of an outpost set up directly in front of the Palestinian residences.
Al Jazeera reported that the village mayor confirmed the IDF completely closed off the zone, imposed a curfew, and deployed hundreds of troops. Avi Bluth, the commander of the IDF Central Command, visited the site to oversee efforts to remove the trespassers, though initial attempts faced active resistance from extremist settlers occupying the area.
Did you know? Ambassador Mike Huckabee has historically been viewed as a strong supporter of Israel and the settler movement, making his public classification of Israeli citizens as “terrorists” a notable shift in diplomatic language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the military operation in Qusra?
The IDF launched operations after extremist settlers established an outpost directly outside Palestinian homes, cutting off access to food, water, and electricity for days.
Who owns the American property involved in the siege?
Loui Ridi, a US citizen, owns one of the targeted homes where his brother and nephew were trapped alongside another Palestinian family.
What was the response from the United States?
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee condemned the siege on X, calling it terrorism and stating that the US Embassy coordinated with the IDF and Israel Police to remove the trespassers.
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