US Ambassador Calls Settler Siege of Palestinian Homes 'Horrific Act of Terror'

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned the actions of Israeli settlers besieging three Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank village of Qusra as a horrific act of terror.

The settlers have surrounded the homes for several days, including one owned by a Palestinian American, Lou Ridi, and have reportedly thrown stones, attempted to bring down a stone wall, and prevented occupants from leaving despite dwindling supplies. Israeli troops intervened, dismantling two illegal outposts near the homes and detaining one Israeli. The military stated troops will not operate in the home of the Palestinian family.

Qusai Abu Rida, Lou Ridi's brother, stated that settlers are still present in the surroundings and the danger has not gone away. He recounted an incident where an ambulance carrying his injured niece was turned back by the army and settlers. The U.S. believes Israel is not doing enough to prevent settler violence, according to a senior White House official.

The Israeli military chief of staff ordered an additional infantry battalion to reinforce the sector. Senior settler leaders, including Yisrael Ganz of the Yesha Council, publicly denounced the violence, calling it not our way and warning of irreversible damage to Israel and the settlement movement. Ganz stated there is no justification for violence against uninvolved Palestinians or Israeli security forces.