US Ambassador Condemns West Bank Settlers as ‘Terrorists’ Amid Qusra Siege
The US embassy requested Israeli Defence Forces intervention to evict settlers from the village of Qusra, but residents and the UN remain sceptical of the military’s willingness to enforce long-term protection for Palestinian families.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has issued an unusually sharp condemnation of Israeli settlers besieging three Palestinian families in the West Bank village of Qusra, describing the perpetrators as “Israeli terrorists”. The comments, posted on X, represent a significant departure from standard US diplomatic language regarding settler violence in the occupied territories. Huckabee, a longstanding supporter of Israeli settlements, labelled the actions “disgusting” and “thuggish”, stating that the US embassy had been “VERY involved” in requesting the removal of the “illegal trespassers”.
The siege, which began on Sunday, has cut off water and electricity to the three families, comprising 15 people including two children. The households are now relying on temporary solar power and residual well water. Loai Ridi, an American-Palestinian resident of the village, confirmed that his brother and nephew are among those trapped. Ridi stated that the family refuses to evacuate their homes, fearing that any departure would result in immediate occupation by the settlers.
In response to the US embassy’s request, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and Israel Police deployed vehicles to the scene. Huckabee posted video footage of the military convoy to demonstrate that action was being taken to remove the settlers. However, the intervention has not resolved the crisis. Al Jazeera reporter Nida Ibrahim noted that Israeli soldiers initially attempted to move the trapped families out while the settlers remained outside. The families refused, citing a deep distrust of the military’s ability to guarantee their safe return to their properties.
Residents and United Nations officials have expressed scepticism regarding the effectiveness of the Israeli military’s response. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights warned that time was running out for the families, describing the siege as an attempt to force displacement. Abdel Azim Wadi, the mayor of Qusra, told Al Jazeera that the Israeli army has historically protected and assisted settlers, citing instances of soldiers praying and socialising with them. Many Palestinians believe the military response is staged for public consumption and expect the settlers to return once international attention fades.
The incident occurs against a backdrop of escalating settler violence and political entrenchment. Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has pledged to expand firearms eligibility in settlements, urging citizens to arm themselves. Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project indicates that 2026 is on track to be the deadliest year for settler violence in a decade. With Israeli elections scheduled for October, analysts suggest the government faces limited political incentive to rein in the settler movement, which continues to expand into the occupied West Bank.
