US Ambassador Warns Israeli Settler Violence Harms Israel's Image

US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has reiterated his condemnation of Israelis perpetrating violence and hate crimes against Palestinians in the West Bank, labeling them "terrorists." He cautioned that these attacks are significantly damaging Israel's image in the United States, even within Republican circles.

In an interview with Israeli broadcaster Kan, Huckabee stated that the violence carried out by some Israelis in the West Bank "harms the image of Israel as a state and as a people." He emphasized that Israel "needs all the friends it can get right now, and doesn't need additional enemies."

These remarks follow Huckabee's previous description of Israelis who blockaded Palestinian homes in the village of Qusra as "Israeli terrorists." His comments have drawn criticism in Israel, with perpetrators of an attack on a mosque in the village of Buzaria writing a message to him: "Huckabee, greetings from the terrorists."

Huckabee expressed no fear regarding the messages but deemed the issue "serious," warning that repeated attacks could further impact American perceptions of Israel. He noted that the damage extends to American Republicans, as younger Americans increasingly exposed to reports of such assaults might solely associate Israel with this violence.

Huckabee previously asserted that labeling these acts as "terrorism" aligns with the American definition, which includes actions intended to instill fear and compel individuals or families to alter their behavior.

Separately, Huckabee discussed the ongoing confrontation with Iran, finding Tehran's next moves difficult to predict but characterizing Iran as "amazingly weak" militarily and economically. He attributed Iran's difficult position to actions taken by the Trump administration, suggesting that Iran's outward show of unity does not reflect its true state.

Regarding Iran's nuclear program, Huckabee rejected the notion that the Trump administration is delaying engagement, focusing solely on the Strait of Hormuz crisis. He indicated that President Trump has not signaled a willingness to overlook what Washington considers the primary issue with Iran, highlighting that Iranian threats are a serious concern for the US.