U.S. Ambassador Huckabee Warns Israeli Settlers Against Seizing Palestinian American Properties in West Bank

In a recent development, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee issued a stern warning to militant Israeli settlers involved in the ongoing encirclement of properties owned by Palestinian Americans in the occupied West Bank. Huckabee, a Baptist minister and the first evangelical Christian to serve as U.S. ambassador to Israel, emphasized that such actions are a violation of both civil and divine law, specifically citing the commandment “Thou shalt not steal.”

The situation unfolded in the West Bank village of Qusra, where settlers have surrounded at least three homes since August 9. Human rights groups have described these actions as attempts to seize privately owned Palestinian land. Among the properties targeted is a home belonging to Loui Ridi, a Palestinian American from Toledo, Ohio. Ridi traveled to the West Bank to defend his property after observing the encirclement via security camera from the U.S.

In response to the siege, the Israeli military deployed troops to the area, successfully pushing the settlers back from the homes. However, Ridi reported that settlers remained nearby, continuing to harass him. As of now, Israeli police have not announced any arrests related to the incident, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not made any public comments on the matter.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of escalating settler activity across the West Bank, affecting Palestinian communities regardless of religious background. Christians, though a small portion of the Palestinian population, have historically resided in areas like Bethlehem and Ramallah, where they have faced land pressures from settlement expansion for years.

The international community largely views Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law governing military occupations. Israel, however, disputes this characterization, considering the territory as disputed rather than occupied. Despite widespread objections, settlement expansion has continued, with recent years seeing accelerated construction and territorial designations under the Netanyahu government.

The unfolding situation underscores the complex interplay of political, religious, and legal factors at play. As tensions rise, the international community watches closely, mindful of the principles of justice and peace as reflected in biblical teachings like Micah 6:8, which calls for justice, mercy, and humility before God.

Source: Read the original report