U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, engaged with Palestinian Americans in a Palestinian town in the occupied West Bank, where they discussed the impact of settler attacks. The meeting took place in Turmus Ayya, a town that has been frequently targeted by settler violence.
International criticism has been mounting against the Israeli government for its perceived inaction towards settler violence. While the Israeli government has condemned such acts, arrests and prosecutions of perpetrators remain rare. Despite this, Ambassador Huckabee has labeled the violent settlers as terrorists and called for their prosecution.
During the visit, Huckabee described the discussions with the Palestinian-American community as productive. Most residents of Turmus Ayya, where the meeting occurred, hold U.S. citizenship. Huckabee, known for his support of Israeli settlements, acknowledged that the violent settlers represent a minority within the larger settler population.
The West Bank, home to about three million Palestinians, has witnessed a surge in settler violence and increased restrictions under the current right-wing Israeli government. Mayor Nawwaf Zaghoul of Turmus Ayya highlighted the ongoing settler attacks faced by residents, with approximately 80% of the town’s 3,000 inhabitants being U.S. citizens.
Ambassador Huckabee has visited Israeli settlements around Turmus Ayya, including Shiloh, multiple times since 2025. Huckabee, the first evangelical Christian to serve as the U.S. envoy to Israel, refers to the West Bank as Judea and Samaria, the biblical term used by the Israeli government.
In his statements, Huckabee emphasized the need for the Israeli government to take action against those engaging in criminal behavior and terrorism. He expressed concern that a small group of violent individuals was tarnishing the country’s image. Despite the limitations of the U.S. Embassy to intervene directly, Huckabee assured Palestinian Americans of efforts to address and raise awareness of critical issues.
Disagreements arose regarding the number of settlers involved in violence, with Palestinian American spokesperson Yasser Alkam stating that thousands, not just a few hundred, were responsible for attacks. The meeting also included individuals like Hadeel Jabara, a Palestinian American widow whose husband was killed by settlers in 2023, highlighting the deep impact of the ongoing violence in the region.
The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, rescinded sanctions on far-right Israeli settler groups accused of violence in the West Bank shortly after his return to office in January 2025. The situation in the West Bank continues to be a pressing concern, with calls for meaningful actions to address the escalating tensions and violence in the region.