Ambassador Mike Huckabee Calls West Bank Violence ‘Terrorism’ but Adds, Perpetrators Aren’t Real Settlers
By The Media Line Staff
The US ambassador to Israel described recent violence against Palestinians in the West Bank as “terrorism” but added that those involved are “thugs” who “don’t even live” there but instead represent a “fringe element.”
Speaking to Elizabeth Vargas of NewsNation, Huckabee admitted that the recent violence in the West Bank could not be dismissed as isolated cases of vandalism.
Israeli troops were dispatched early in the week to search for Jewish extremists who allegedly burned cars and buildings in Jaba following the demolition of the settlement of Tzur Misgavi in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc.
Regarding the violence, Huckabee told Vargas, “I think there is an escalation,” calling the incidents “acts of terrorism.” He emphasized that unlawful violence is not limited to one community, adding, “Israelis can carry out terrorism as well.”
Huckabee stressed that the individuals behind the attacks are not representative of the settler population, characterizing them instead as “a very small number, mostly of youth, angry and disaffected.” Many, he said, “don’t even live in Judea and Samaria” and “come into there to create havoc.” He referred to them as “thugs.”
The attacks were widely condemned by Israeli government officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who praised the military for its efforts in tracking down members of “a small extremist group.”
Authorities have made several arrests, though no indictments have been filed, and most of those detained have been released. Huckabee said the government is committed to stopping the violence and prosecuting those responsible.
Turning to developments in Gaza, Huckabee said he believes the truce there remains intact despite intermittent exchanges of fire. “Israel is within its rights. They have to strike back when they are attacked by Hamas, when they break out of those tunnels,” he said. He insisted that “the president’s plan is moving along very, very effectively.”
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