U.S. envoy warns West Bank settlers against seizing property of Palestinian Americans

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee warned militant Israeli settlers that appropriating land owned by Palestinian Americans breaches both human law and "God's law," referencing the commandment "Thou shalt not steal." The warning followed a siege of homes in Qusra, West Bank, beginning on August 9, which rights groups said aimed to seize privately held Palestinian property, including that of Loui Ridi, a Palestinian American.

Huckabee said settlers involved could be subject to U.S. sanctions, such as a travel ban, though no specific measures are under review. Israeli troops have been sent to the area and have pushed the settlers away, but the settlers remain nearby, and residents fear renewed encroachment once the troops leave. The ambassador described the incident as "inexcusable and repugnant" and urged that any perpetrators face serious consequences in Israel. Israeli police have not reported any arrests, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly addressed the episode, though a senior settler leader has denounced the actions.