US Ambassador Condemns Settler Actions in Qusra
In a rare and significant statement, the United States Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has denounced Israeli settlers besieging three Palestinian families in the occupied West Bank village of Qusra, near Nablus, as “Israeli terrorists.” This condemnation emerges amidst ongoing Israeli military operations in Jenin, which have reportedly hindered humanitarian access for Palestinians in the refugee camp.
Huckabee, typically a staunch supporter of Israel and its settlements—despite their illegality under international law—made these critical remarks on Thursday. His comments followed reports of Israeli settlers laying siege to three Palestinian homes in Qusra, one of which belongs to a dual US citizen. “Actions by those who carried out this horrific act of terror meant to intimidate and harass this family are disgusting,” Huckabee posted on X, adding, “No excuse for such thuggish behaviour.” He further indicated that the US embassy has been “VERY involved & the IDF & Israel Police have gone at our request to remove the Israeli terrorists doing this.” Huckabee also shared a video purportedly showing Israeli military and police vehicles, stating they were removing “illegal trespassers there to intimidate Palestinian residents.”
While US officials have historically criticized settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank in general terms, they have refrained from using terms like “terror” or “terrorists” to describe such actions. Therefore, Huckabee’s choice of words represents one of the most forceful public rebukes issued by a US ambassador to Israel regarding settler attacks.
The Situation in Qusra: Families Under Siege
Residents of Qusra report that they have been cut off from water, electricity, and other vital supplies during the siege. They interpret these actions as a deliberate attempt by settlers to seize their land. Loai Ridi, an American-Palestinian residing in Toledo, US, whose brother Qusai Abu Rida and 18-year-old nephew, Ahmed, are among those trapped, stated that his brother fears leaving their home would result in immediate takeover by the settlers. The besieged family is currently relying on a temporary solar power system and residual well water following the disruption of their supply lines.
The United Nations human rights agency and the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates have also condemned the settler siege. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights characterized these actions as “criminal” and, whether supported or acquiesced to by Israel, the Occupying Power, as making life “unbearable” for Palestinian families, clearly aiming to force them from their homes and land. The agency reported that the three families, comprising 15 individuals including two children, have been confined to their homes without water or power since Sunday, warning that “Time is running out for these three families before they are forcibly displaced.”
Reports from the scene indicate that Israeli soldiers initially attempted to move the trapped families out of their homes while settlers remained outside. The families reportedly refused, distrusting assurances that they would be permitted to return, and were subsequently gathered into one of the homes. Residents have previously witnessed settlers displacing families and then occupying their properties. Qusra has endured settler attacks for decades, with residents attributing the escalation of violence to the expansion of illegal settlements and a perceived lack of accountability for perpetrators.
Israeli Authorities' Response and Broader Context
Israeli media suggests that authorities are attempting to manage the siege by removing settlers, with limited success. The Times of Israel reported that Israeli forces and police tried to “evacuate the settlers” early on Thursday, following a previous unsuccessful attempt. However, settlers, who have used rocks and tents to block access to Palestinian homes, reportedly remained in the area on Thursday.
Despite Huckabee's video depicting Israeli forces arriving to address the situation, Palestinians remain skeptical. Many believe the Israeli army is merely “staging its response to the settler siege for the cameras” and anticipate the settlers will eventually return. Abdel Azim Wadi, the mayor of Qusra, claimed to Al Jazeera that the Israeli army has been protecting and assisting the settlers, observing them “praying together, barbecuing together and dancing together,” suggesting a lack of interest in aiding the besieged families.
Historically, the Israeli government has openly funded and constructed settlements for Jewish residents. The Israeli army has operated a hotline, War Room C, for settlers to report Palestinian construction in Area C, which constitutes 60 percent of the West Bank under full Israeli military and civil control. Various Israeli laws enable the seizure of Palestinian land, with approximately 26 percent of the West Bank declared “state land” for settlement construction, and Palestinian property expropriated for public needs like roads, settlements, and parks.
Government Stance on Settlers and Settlement Expansion
While some past actions have been taken against violent settlers, Palestinians generally perceive Israeli forces as supportive of them. Recent unverified videos from Qusra reportedly show Israeli soldiers appearing to pray alongside settlers involved in the siege. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving premier, has overseen a significant expansion of illegal settlements since his initial tenure in 1996. Hardline cabinet members, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who himself resides in an illegal settlement, actively back settlers. With upcoming elections, Netanyahu’s reliance on settler and far-right support may complicate efforts to curb settler violence or dismantle outposts, even if desired by the government.
Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a vocal pro-settler advocate, recently pledged to “continue turning cities and settlements into eligible areas for firearms” and encouraged Israelis to “go arm yourselves” after the attorney general recommended closing investigation files against members of his office.
The Phenomenon of West Bank Settlers
Israeli citizens who reside on Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem are known as settlers. The vast majority of these settlements are built either entirely or partially on private Palestinian land. There are an estimated over 700,000 settlers across the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Settlers frequently establish outposts near Palestinian communities, engaging in harassment—such as cutting utilities, damaging olive groves and livestock, and conducting regular attacks—until families are compelled to leave. These outposts are often subsequently expanded and retroactively approved as official settlements.
Outposts vary from small shanties housing a few individuals to communities of up to 400 people. Motivations for settling in the occupied territories include religious beliefs, lower living costs, and government financial incentives. Ultra-Orthodox Jews account for approximately one-third of all settlers. Nasser Khdour, Middle East assistant research manager at the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), noted that 2026 has been the deadliest year for settler violence since ACLED began tracking such incidents in Palestine a decade ago. Incidents have encompassed attacks on Palestinians, property destruction, damage to agricultural equipment and facilities, tree uprooting, grazing on Palestinian agricultural land, and looting, including theft of equipment, sheep, and crops.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967. Over 500,000 Israeli settlers live in the territory, excluding East Jerusalem, alongside approximately three million Palestinians. Last month, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a plan for 13 new settlements in the central occupied West Bank. Data from the Palestinian Forum for Israeli Studies (MADAR) indicates a recent surge in new illegal settlements, with an average of about eight outposts annually between 2012 and 2022, rising to 32 in 2023, 62 in 2024, and reaching 86 in 2025.
