U.S. Ambassador Huckabee warns settlers against seizing Palestinian American property

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has issued a warning to Israeli settlers regarding the seizure of properties owned by Palestinian Americans in the occupied West Bank. Citing the biblical commandment "Thou shalt not steal," Huckabee characterized the appropriation of land as a violation of both civil and divine law. He indicated that individuals involved in such actions could face potential sanctions from the United States.

The ambassador's comments follow reports of settlers encircling homes in the village of Qusra since August 9, including a property owned by Loui Ridi, a Palestinian American from Ohio. While the Israeli military has intervened to push settlers back from the immediate vicinity of the homes, Ridi reports that harassment continues. No arrests have been announced by Israeli authorities, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not issued a public statement on the matter.

Human rights organizations describe the incident as part of a broader trend of settlement expansion affecting Palestinian communities. While the international community largely considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank to be illegal under international law, the Israeli government disputes this position.