US diplomat calls Israeli settler siege of West Bank homes ‘act of terror’

What Happened

Israeli settlers have maintained a days-long siege on three Palestinian homes in the village of Qusra, near Nablus, by blocking access to water, electricity, and supplies. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee characterized the blockade as an 'act of terror' and 'thuggish behaviour' on Thursday. While the Israeli military reported the dismantling of two illegal outposts in the vicinity of Qusra and Jalud and the detention of one Israeli, residents and journalists report that the village remains under broader military closure, with the Israeli military blocking entrances to prevent outside assistance.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The incident highlights the intensifying friction in the West Bank, where settler violence and land seizures have increased under the current Israeli government. The involvement of a US citizen and the unusually sharp public condemnation from the US Ambassador underscore the diplomatic sensitivity of the ongoing expansion of settlements in areas nominally under Palestinian civil administration.

Watch For

Monitor whether the Israeli military successfully clears the remaining settlers from the immediate vicinity of the homes and if the broader military blockade of Qusra is lifted. Further diplomatic statements from the US embassy regarding the safety of dual citizens in the West Bank are also expected.