Israel must protect West Bank’s Palestinians amid settler pogroms: US envoy | Israel-Palestine conflict News
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Calls Settler Violence ‘Terrorism’ Amid Rising Tensions
United States Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee recently visited the occupied West Bank, where he met with local officials and residents affected by violent attacks from Israeli settlers. During his visit, Huckabee labeled some of these settlers as “terrorists” and emphasized the Israeli government’s responsibility to protect Palestinians in the region.
Huckabee’s meetings included discussions with Palestinian Americans in Turmus Aya, a community that has witnessed a troubling surge in violence. The ambassador stated on Saturday that residents have a right to security, urging the Israeli government to take action to ensure their safety.
“One of the messages we have been sending is that people in these communities have a right to live with a level of security and safety,” Huckabee told reporters. “The government has a responsibility to make sure that happens.”
Nida Ibrahim, reporting for Al Jazeera from Turmus Aya, noted that Huckabee’s discussions also involved residents who have directly experienced the violence attributed to settlers. They conveyed their desire for U.S. intervention and a change in the ongoing situation, which they characterized as systematic violence against Palestinians.
Ruwan Alqam, a U.S.-Palestinian who moved to Turmus Aya from Texas four months ago, recounted the obstacles her family faces daily. “We’re hit with roadblock after roadblock, settlers after settlers,” Alqam said, recalling a recent incident where Israeli settlers attacked their car with rocks during a trip to Nablus. “They’re not being held accountable for their actions,” she added, highlighting her concern about the persistent danger to Palestinians.
Following his meetings with residents, Huckabee reiterated the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Our clear message is that crime is crime, terror is terror. When people do it, they should have an expectation that they will have severe consequences.”
However, some analysts view Huckabee’s visit as largely symbolic. Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli ambassador, remarked that while Huckabee’s comments may gain media attention, they are unlikely to alter American policy regarding Israel and the occupied territories. He noted that the current U.S. administration appears unwilling to take significant action to address the plight of Palestinians or to exert pressure on Israel concerning settler violence.
The increase in settler violence and illegal settlements in the West Bank has surged since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government took office in late 2022, further complicating an already tense situation. International law considers these settlements illegal, and recent plans have advanced for additional settler units, raising concerns about the deepening divide between Israelis and Palestinians.
