US ambassador calls Israeli settlers 'terrorists' amid escalating West Bank unrest

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee recently characterized violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank as "terrorists" following ongoing unrest in the region. During a visit to the Palestinian village of Turmus Ayya, which has experienced frequent attacks, Ambassador Huckabee met with Palestinian American residents and condemned the violence as "acts of terror." He emphasized that such actions, including property damage and intimidation, extend beyond criminal acts and should not continue.

The Ambassador's remarks on Saturday, September 5, 2026, come amidst a surge in settler violence since the conflict in Gaza began on October 7, 2023. While acknowledging the limitations of the U.S. Embassy in investigating such incidents, Huckabee stated that the embassy would use its influence to highlight these issues to the Israeli government. He also suggested that those responsible constitute a small minority of settlers, describing them as "thugs."

Previously, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had condemned the actions of a "handful of rioters," and the Israeli foreign ministry labeled the settlers' behavior as a "disgrace." However, critics note that perpetrators of settler violence are rarely arrested or prosecuted.