Mike Huckabee Warns Israeli Settlers Against Seizing Palestinian American Land

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee warned militant Israeli settlers against seizing land and property owned by Palestinian Americans in the West Bank, describing such actions as a violation of God's law. The warning follows an August 9 incident in the village of Qusra, where settlers besieged several homes, including one owned by Palestinian American Loui Ridi, in an attempt to seize privately owned land.

Huckabee, a Baptist minister and former governor of Arkansas, characterized the perpetrators as Israeli terrorists and called the events in Qusra inexcusable and repugnant. While he defended the broader settlement community as a peaceful majority, he stated that those involved in the land seizures could face significant consequences in Israel and potential US sanctions, such as entry bans. He noted, however, that no such measures are currently under consideration.

During the August 9 incident, the Israeli military deployed troops to push settlers back from the besieged homes, but residents report continued harassment and fear future encroachments. Israeli police have not announced any arrests, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly commented on the event.