US Ambassador Mike Hackaby Documents Settler Intrusions in Palestinian Town

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Hackaby visited the Palestinian town of Turmus Ayya, near Ramallah, on Saturday, a day after extremist settlers allegedly attempted to infiltrate a home there. Hackaby documented settlers arriving at the property, which flies an American flag, using his mobile phone and shared the footage on X (formerly Twitter). He described the intruders as "border crossers" engaging in "criminal and terrorist acts" against legal property owners, stating their behavior does not represent the majority of Israelis.

During his visit, which included embassy staff and General Sean Sallin, head of the U.S. security coordination mechanism, Hackaby called for the prosecution of violent settlers, though he characterized them as a minority in the West Bank. He emphasized that "crime is crime, and terror is terror" and that perpetrators must face consequences. Palestinian reports indicated two settlers on a motorcycle approached within 100 meters of the ambassador's location before leaving.

Hackaby also addressed statements from Israeli officials regarding the potential emigration of Palestinians from Gaza. He unequivocally stated that there is no Israeli plan to forcibly displace Gazans, asserting that while people should have the right to leave if they wish, imprisoning them against their will is "a disgrace." He reiterated that neither Israelis nor Americans support forced displacement.

The ambassador's visit occurred amidst threats directed at him by some settlers, including graffiti on a mosque near Nablus that read "Greetings from the terrorists" to Hackaby, referencing his strong condemnation of recent settler actions in the Palestinian village of Kusra. Hackaby sarcastically noted that at least his name was spelled correctly and that the graffiti acknowledged the perpetrators as "terrorists."

Israeli police and the Shin Bet are investigating disturbances in Kusra and other villages, with authorities expecting arrests of those involved in the recent unrest. Three vehicles suspected of being used by rioters were confiscated.