Huckabee warns Israeli settlers over Palestinian property seizure

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has warned Israeli settlers against seizing property in the occupied West Bank owned by Palestinian Americans, stating those responsible could face American sanctions. The ambassador's comments, delivered in a Reuters interview, came amid ongoing tensions in the village of Qusra, where settlers began surrounding Palestinian homes on August 9.

Huckabee described the actions in Qusra, south of Nablus, as "inexcusable and repugnant criminal activity." He emphasized that taking property from its owners violates both civil and religious principles, invoking the Ten Commandments. "Thou shalt not steal," Huckabee said. "If someone owns the land and they own their house, then having someone come and take it over and scare the family away from it, that's a violation, not just of man's law. That's a violation of God's law."

The confrontation in Qusra began when settlers reportedly blocked access to three Palestinian homes and erected a tent nearby. Residents reported disruptions to their water and electricity supplies and restrictions on their movement. Among the affected properties is the home of Palestinian American Loui Ridi. Ridi stated he has...