US ambassador visits Palestinian town amid rise in West Bank settler violence

TURMUS AYYA, September 5 — United States Ambassador Mike Huckabee visited families in the West Bank town of Turmus Ayya, a city with a significant Palestinian-American population, following a surge in attacks by settlers. The ambassador emphasized Israel's responsibility for the safety of West Bank Palestinians and called for severe consequences against violence.

Despite being a known supporter of Israel and settlers, Huckabee met with families to hear their legitimate grievances. A settler from a nearby illegal outpost approached him on a quad bike during his meeting.

Huckabee stated that Israel has the responsibility to ensure security and safety for the people in these communities. He reiterated that crime is crime, and those committing terror should face severe consequences. The ambassador noted that the recent surge in attacks by a small minority of settlers is detrimental to Israel's reputation, particularly as it already faces global criticism over the 2023 offensive in Gaza.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, and violence by Israeli settlers towards Palestinian residents has persisted for years with little legal consequence. However, recent months have seen a surge in such attacks. The ambassador also highlighted that there are approximately half a million Israeli settlers living in the West Bank, home to a population of three million Palestinians.

In the run-up to the October 27 elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has ramped up the approval of new settlements, which are illegal under international law. Despite Huckabee's dismissal of violent settlers, Netanyahu has brought far-right ministers into his government who have openly discussed expelling the Palestinian population.