U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, held discussions with Palestinian Americans in a Palestinian town in the occupied West Bank, where some residents have been victims of attacks by Israeli settlers. The meeting took place amidst growing international criticism of settler violence and perceived inaction by the Israeli government.
While the Israeli government has condemned settler violence, there is a lack of arrests and prosecutions of perpetrators. Huckabee, labeling the violent settlers as terrorists, emphasized the importance of holding them accountable.
The ambassador’s visit to Turmus Ayya, a town where a majority of Palestinian residents are U.S. citizens, was described as productive. Huckabee, known for supporting Israeli settlements, highlighted that the violent settlers represent a minority within the larger settler community.
The West Bank, home to about three million Palestinians, has seen an increase in settler violence and restrictions under the current right-wing Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Palestinians in Turmus Ayya continue to face frequent attacks by settlers, with a significant portion of the town’s population holding U.S. citizenship. Israeli settlements, including Shiloh, surround the area, which Huckabee has visited multiple times since 2025.
During his visit, Huckabee stressed the need for the Israeli government to take action against individuals engaging in criminal acts and terrorism. He acknowledged the damaging impact of a small group of violent settlers on Israel’s reputation.
Despite Huckabee’s statements, Yasser Alkam, a Palestinian American spokesperson, disputed the characterization of only a few hundred settlers being involved in violence, claiming the number is much higher.
Huckabee also mentioned that the U.S. Embassy lacks the authority to directly intervene but can raise awareness and advocate for corrective measures. He discussed the challenges faced by Palestinian Americans, including the tragic incidents involving settler violence.
The meeting with Huckabee included individuals like Hadeel Jabara, a Palestinian American widow whose husband was killed by settlers in 2023. She expressed hope that the U.S. government could assist in ensuring the safety of residents in the region.
Since 2024, at least six Palestinian Americans have lost their lives in the occupied West Bank due to violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers or the military.