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U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee described recent attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank as acts of terrorism on Thursday, acknowledging an escalation in violence since late 2023.
Speaking to U.S. broadcaster News Nation, Huckabee stated that "Israelis can carry out terrorism as well," referring to a string of attacks primarily attributed to "a very small number" of angry and disaffected youths. He characterized the perpetrators as "thugs" rather than regular residents of Israeli settlements.
The ambassador asserted that Israeli authorities were working to hold those responsible accountable under the law. "Those who are committing acts of terror, even if they are Israelis, they are going to feel the full force of the law," he said.
Since October 2023, violence in the occupied West Bank has intensified, with more than 1,076 Palestinians reportedly killed and 10,700 injured in attacks by both the Israeli army and settlers, according to local authorities.
The West Bank, considered occupied territory under international law, has experienced repeated flare-ups involving Israeli settlers—some of whom have established outposts not officially authorized by Israeli authorities. These tensions have escalated in parallel with broader regional conflict developments.
Ambassador Huckabee also commented on the status of a ceasefire in Gaza, suggesting that the region has seen a “remarkable period of calm” and expressing hope for continued progress.
Regarding U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia—part of a broader set of strategic agreements signed during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington this week—Huckabee dismissed concerns about the potential impact of the planned transfer of F-35 stealth fighter jets on Israel’s defense edge in the region.
"We have an agreement with Israel that they are supposed to have military superiority in the Middle East. I think that they believe that the U.S. is going to honor that," he said.
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