US Ambassador Mike Huckaby Visits Palestinian Town Amid Settler Violence

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckaby visited the Palestinian town of Turmus Ayya, north of Ramallah, on Saturday amid a surge in settler violence in the West Bank. During his visit, Huckaby met with several Palestinians, including relatives of American citizens killed by settlers, according to Reuters. The visit occurred as settler attacks in the West Bank have escalated. Huckaby called for the prosecution of settlers involved in violent acts, emphasizing that such actions do not represent the majority of the settler community.

Nawaf Zaghloul, the mayor of Turmus Ayya, stated that approximately 80% of the town's nearly 3,000 residents are Palestinian American citizens. He expressed hope that the U.S. ambassador would assist in enhancing their security and protecting them from repeated attacks. A local resident urged Huckaby to take action against what they described as "lawless settlers," citing frequent incursions by settlers around the town and damage to property.

Despite his long-standing support for Israeli settlements, Huckaby has recently urged accountability for settlers involved in violence against Palestinians, viewing these practices as the actions of a minority within the settler population. His visit to Turmus Ayya follows increased controversy over his recent remarks labeling perpetrators of violence against Palestinians as "terrorists" and calling for measures against them.

Huckaby had previously visited the Palestinian town of Al-Bireh in June 2025 after a church there was vandalized, calling the desecration of the place of worship a "terrorist act." The ambassador's visit also came days after personal graffiti targeting him appeared in the West Bank, following his statements against violent settlers. Huckaby responded to the graffiti by stating that Israel needs "all the friends it can get, not more enemies," warning that violent acts harm Israel's image and international relations.

These developments occur in the wake of several attacks in the West Bank, including a settler assault on Palestinian homes in Qusra and the killing of two young Palestinians in Al-Mughayyir in early September during an incident involving settlers and Israeli forces. Huckaby's visit to Turmus Ayya reflects ongoing U.S. pressure on Israel regarding settler violence amid rising tensions and growing concerns about escalating attacks in the West Bank.