The U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, a longtime and staunch supporter of West Bank settlements, denounced as "terror" a settler-led siege against Palestinians near Nablus on Thursday, an incident that had already drawn an unsuccessful intervention attempt by the Israeli army.
What's Happening Near Nablus
Since Sunday, settlers near Nablus have blockaded Palestinian homes, including one owned by a U.S. citizen, with residents reporting they have been cut off from food and other essential supplies. Despite the army's attempt to step in, the blockade has continued, prompting Huckabee's unusually forceful public condemnation.
Why Huckabee's Remarks Stand Out
What makes this particular statement notable is who's making it. Huckabee is an evangelical Christian pastor who has, in the past, openly embraced Jewish settlement expansion in the West Bank, territory Israel has occupied since 1967, and has rejected the idea of a Palestinian state. His willingness to label the settler siege as "terror" marks a sharp departure from his usual public positioning on settlement-related issues, making the remarks carry more weight than they might coming from a less sympathetic voice on settler activity.
The situation near Nablus remains ongoing, with residents still reportedly cut off from supplies despite the army's involvement and the ambassador's condemnation.
FAQs
Q1. What did U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee say about the situation near Nablus?
He denounced the settler siege on Palestinian homes as "terror," a notably strong statement given his history of supporting West Bank settlements.
Q2. What is happening to the blockaded homes?
Since Sunday, settlers have blockaded Palestinian homes near Nablus, including one owned by a U.S. citizen, cutting off residents from food and other supplies.
Q3. Did the Israeli army intervene?
Yes, but the intervention was reported as unsuccessful in ending the blockade.