U.S. Ambassador Condemns Israeli Settler Siege in West Bank

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Israeli soldiers stood guard by settlers blocking Palestinian homes in Qusra, near Nablus, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, strongly criticized the besiegement of an American Palestinian family’s home, describing it as a ‘horrific act of terror.’

According to local officials and the affected family, the trouble began on Sunday when settlers gathered near the house, harassing occupants and ignoring Israeli military attempts to calm the situation. Groups of men threw stones and tried to dismantle a nearby stone wall, trapping those inside with limited supplies.

Lou Ridi, speaking from Ohio, said his brother and nephew, staying in the house to defend it, had been stuck inside without food or water for several days. On Thursday morning, Ridi’s brother, Qusai Abu Rida, reported that Israeli military forces evacuated him and his teenage son.

The military responded by dismantling two illegal outposts and detaining an Israeli. They also added more soldiers to the area for defensive tasks and patrols. Journalists reported that access roads to Qusra were closed. The Israeli police have not provided information on any Israeli civilian arrests.

There are accusations from Palestinians and the Israeli opposition against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for overlooking settler attacks on Palestinians amid rising clashes in recent years. Huckabee’s firm statement on social media highlighted his defense of the Israeli military’s actions while condemning the settlers’ aggression. Huckabee has previously shown support for Israeli control over the West Bank while speaking against settler violence.

Home security footage from Thursday showed settlers near a damaged stone wall by the house.

Ridi stated that the harassment from settlers has been ongoing for months, including cutting off water and electricity and stoning the property, causing damage. Another house in the area suffered as well. Last month, a mosque in Qusra was torched in another suspected settler attack, following the killing of an Israeli settler. This incident triggered violence, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and four Palestinian villagers.

Settlers continue to build outposts, actions widely criticized internationally for undermining the idea of a Palestinian state in the West Bank. Palestinians view the West Bank, captured by Israel in the 1967 conflict, as part of a future state. Conversely, many settlers and supporters argue for Israeli control based on historical, religious, and security justifications.