Senate Democrats Urge Netanyahu to Curb West Bank Violence

Forty-five members of the U.S. Senate Democratic caucus sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, urging the Israeli government to curb a surge of settler violence and mass arrests of Palestinians in the West Bank. The letter, co-drafted by Senators Adam Schiff, Cory Booker, and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, demands that Israel stop approving additional settlements and illegal outposts.

Lawmakers specifically called for increased investigations into the deaths of nine American citizens killed by security forces or settlers since 2022. The move signals growing friction between the Democratic caucus and the Israeli government, with some senators suggesting curbs on military aid.

While Israeli officials maintain that leadership has condemned the violence, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has characterized militant settlers as "Israeli terrorists." Huckabee suggested that individuals involved in the siege of the village of Qusra could face U.S. sanctions.