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// DOSSIER — us-ambassador-mike-huckabee-condemns-qusra-settler-siege
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee Condemns Qusra Settler Siege as "Act of Terror"
REL_TIME: 14 Aug 2026 11:12Z · LANG: EN
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee issued a rare and sharp rebuke of Israeli settlers, labeling a five-day siege of Palestinian homes in the West Bank village of Qusra a "horrific act of terror." The incident involved settlers blockading three residences, including one owned by a Palestinian American, cutting off essential utilities and supplies. While Huckabee condemned the specific perpetrators as "terrorists" and "thugs," he simultaneously defended the broader settlement movement and the Israeli military's response. The event highlights escalating tensions in the West Bank, where settler violence has surged alongside the ongoing conflict in Gaza, even as the Israeli government continues to expand and reopen settlements.
// Background
The village of Qusra has become a flashpoint for settler-Palestinian conflict, recording high rates of attacks in 2026. This occurs against a backdrop of increased West Bank violence since October 2023, with over 1,100 Palestinians killed in the territory. The current Israeli government has prioritized settlement expansion, which is considered illegal under international law by most of the global community, while the US administration has recently lifted some sanctions on violent settlers.
// Key Developments
- US Ambassador Mike Huckabee labeled the siege of Palestinian homes in Qusra an "act of terror" and called the perpetrators "Israeli terrorists."
- The siege targeted three homes, including one belonging to an American citizen, trapping residents without food, water, or electricity for five days.
- The IDF dismantled two illegal outposts and detained one Israeli but faced criticism after footage showed soldiers praying with and hugging settlers.
- Despite the condemnation, Huckabee distinguished between "real settlers" and a "small minority" of "unsettlers" responsible for the violence.
- Simultaneously, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz celebrated the reopening of the Ganim settlement, previously dismantled in 2005.
// Timeline
-
Settlers begin the siege of three homes in Qusra, setting up camps and blocking access for residents.
-
IDF declares Qusra a closed military zone and condemns the siege as "unacceptable."
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Settlers return to the site, blocking roads with rocks; Huckabee issues his "act of terror" condemnation on X.
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IDF dismantles two illegal outposts and evacuates the Ridi family from the besieged home.
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Settlers remain in the area; Defense Minister Katz attends the reopening ceremony of the Ganim settlement.
// Perspectives
[Mike Huckabee (US Ambassador)]
Condemns the specific Qusra siege as terrorism but maintains support for the broader settlement movement and the IDF.
[IDF (Israel Defense Forces)]
Condemned the siege as "illegal and reprehensible" and dismantled outposts, while facing internal disciplinary issues regarding soldier conduct.
[Palestinian Residents and Activists]
Argue that settler violence is systemic, state-sanctioned, and aimed at forcing Palestinians off their land.
[Israeli Government (Hardline Ministers)]
Downplay settler violence as "juvenile delinquency" while actively promoting settlement expansion and reopening dismantled outposts.
// Quotes
“Actions by those who carried out this horrific act of terror meant to intimidate and harass this family are disgusting. No excuse for such thuggish behavior.”
“Instead of helping, the soldiers hug the settlers. Instead of protecting my brother, the soldiers become part of the danger.”
“The problem is the settlement movement itself—stealing Palestinian land—and the state that enables, funds, and protects it.”
