US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has strongly criticised Israeli settlers who have been preventing access to Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank, describing their actions as an "act of terrorism".
In a post on X, Huckabee said those responsible were attempting to intimidate and harass a Palestinian family.
The actions of those doing this to this family’s home is criminal. The WH hasn’t “intervened” because we have kept DC apprised of the situation already. Actions by those who carried out this horrific act of terror meant to intimidate and harass this family are disgusting. "he wrote.
He added that "no excuse would justify such thuggish behaviour."
This is another lie. @usembassyjlm has been VERY involved & the IDF & Israel Police have gone at our request to remove the Israeli terrorists doing this. The actions of those doing this to this family’s home is criminal. The WH hasn’t “intervened” because we have kept DC… https://t.co/qrfnCYcOtB
— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) August 13, 2026
Homes cut off
Since Sunday, dozens of settlers have reportedly blocked access to Palestinian homes in the village of Qusra, near Nablus.
One of the affected properties belongs to a Palestinian who also holds US citizenship.
Residents say they have been cut off from food supplies and other essential services as a result of the blockade.
Unusual intervention
According to Agence France-Presse, Huckabee's remarks are highly unusual.
The former evangelical pastor has repeatedly expressed support for Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and has opposed the creation of a Palestinian state.
Huckabee said Israeli authorities intervened at the site following a request from the United States.
Israeli action
Witnesses said the Israeli military deployed troops to the area on Wednesday and dismantled a tent used by settlers. However, the settlers remained at the location, continuing their presence with blankets and other belongings.
The Israeli military said it had removed "two illegal structures", confiscated equipment found at the site and detained one person.
Rising settler violence
Violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians has intensified since Hamas' 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, with Palestinian communities reporting frequent raids and assaults in villages across the occupied West Bank.
More than 500,000 Israeli settlers live in settlements throughout the territory, alongside roughly three million Palestinians. The settlements are widely regarded as illegal under international law.
