US Envoy Says Israel Must Protect Palestinians Amid West Bank Settler Violence

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has called on the Israeli government to protect Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, following a sharp increase in violence attributed to Israeli settlers.

Huckabee made the comments after visiting communities in the West Bank and meeting local officials, residents and Palestinian Americans who said they had experienced repeated attacks and intimidation.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Huckabee said Palestinians living in the area had the right to security and that Israeli authorities were responsible for ensuring their safety.

"One of the messages that we have been sending and we will continue to send is that people in these communities have a right to live with a level of security and safety," Huckabee said.

He added that those responsible for attacks should face serious consequences, saying: "Crime is crime, terror is terror."

During his visit, Huckabee met Palestinian Americans in the village of Turmus Aya, where residents described what they said was continuing and systematic settler violence.

Among those he spoke with was US-Palestinian resident Ruwan Alqam, who moved to the village with her family from Texas four months ago.

Alqam said travelling outside the community had become increasingly difficult, with her family encountering roadblocks and confrontations with settlers.

She said the family was recently unable to return home after their vehicle was attacked with rocks during a trip to Nablus.

Alqam told reporters that residents believed those responsible for the violence were rarely held accountable and urged the US government to pay greater attention to conditions facing Palestinians in the West Bank.

She described Huckabee as receptive to the concerns raised by residents, but said the community was in urgent need of greater international attention.

Calls for tougher action

Huckabee has previously described some Israeli settlers involved in violent attacks as "terrorists". During his latest visit, he again warned that perpetrators should expect severe consequences.

However, former Israeli ambassador Alon Pinkas said Huckabee's visit was largely symbolic and unlikely to result in a significant change in US policy towards Israel.

Pinkas acknowledged that Huckabee's use of the term "terrorists" sent a strong message, particularly given his support for Israeli claims to the West Bank.

But he argued that the administration of US President Donald Trump had so far shown insufficient willingness to pressure the Israeli government over settler violence or Palestinian rights.

Violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank has increased significantly since Netanyahu's coalition government took office in late 2022. The government is widely regarded as the most right-wing in Israel's history.

At the same time, Israel has continued expanding settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law.

The latest developments have raised further concerns among Palestinians and international observers that settlement expansion and settler violence are contributing to the displacement of Palestinians and weakening their territorial links with Jerusalem.