U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, held discussions with Palestinian Americans in a West Bank town targeted by Israeli settlers, where U.S. citizens have lost their lives. This meeting took place amidst rising international criticism over settler violence and perceived inaction by the Israeli government. While Israel has condemned such violence, arrests and prosecutions of the perpetrators are rare. Ambassador Huckabee urged for the prosecution of those responsible, labeling them as terrorists.
The visit to Turmus Ayya, where the majority of Palestinian residents are American citizens, was described by the ambassador as productive. Despite being a staunch supporter of Israeli settlements, Huckabee has called for the prosecution of violent settlers, emphasizing that they represent a minority within the settler community. The West Bank is home to about three million Palestinians, with a significant number holding American citizenship.
Under the current right-wing government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since late 2022, Palestinians in the West Bank have experienced increased settler violence and restrictions under military occupation. Turmus Ayya Mayor Nawwaf Zaghoul highlighted the persistent attacks faced by Palestinians in the town, where around 80% of residents are U.S. citizens.
Israeli settlements, including Shiloh, surround Turmus Ayya, a location Huckabee has visited twice since 2025. Referring to the West Bank as Judea and Samaria, Huckabee stressed the importance for the Israeli government to address the criminal behavior and terrorism carried out by a small group of settlers tarnishing the country’s image.
Following his meeting, Huckabee clarified that the U.S. Embassy lacks the authority to take direct action but seeks to raise awareness and influence necessary corrections. In early 2025, President Donald Trump revoked sanctions imposed by the previous administration on far-right Israeli settler groups involved in violence against Palestinians.
Disagreeing with Huckabee’s assessment, Palestinian American spokesperson Yasser Alkam stated that thousands, not hundreds, of settlers engage in violence against Palestinians. He emphasized the U.S.’s potential to pressure Israel to take action against the perpetrators.
Among the attendees was Hadeel Jabara, a Palestinian American whose husband, Omar, was killed by settlers in 2023. She expressed optimism following the meeting, hoping for U.S. government assistance in ensuring the safety of residents, especially her children. Tragically, since 2024, at least six Palestinian Americans have lost their lives in the occupied West Bank due to attacks by Israeli settlers or the military.