US Ambassador Mike Huckaby Visits Palestinian Town Amid Settler Violence

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckaby visited the Palestinian town of Termes Ayya, north of Ramallah in the West Bank, on September 5, 2026. During his visit, he met with Palestinian residents, including U.S. citizens and relatives of Americans who have been killed or attacked in incidents involving Israeli settlers.

The visit occurred amid a surge in settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, with growing criticism over the lack of accountability for those accused of such attacks. Termes Ayya, home to approximately 3,000 residents, is surrounded by Israeli settlements, and town officials report frequent intrusions by armed settlers causing property damage.

Approximately 80% of Termes Ayya's residents hold American citizenship, making the ambassador's visit particularly significant for residents seeking to voice their security concerns. The town's mayor stated that residents would ask Huckaby for assistance in ensuring their safety, citing repeated attacks on the town and its inhabitants.

Huckaby met with Palestinian families who are U.S. citizens, listening to their testimonies and concerns regarding the violence. He condemned the settler violence, calling for the prosecution and accountability of perpetrators. "A crime is a crime, and terrorism is terrorism, and those who commit it must bear severe consequences," Huckaby stated, emphasizing the need to address and hold accountable those responsible for violent acts.

The ambassador noted that violent settlers represent a minority among the approximately 750,000 settlers in the West Bank. The visit highlights the issue of settler violence and growing Palestinian fears for security, especially in communities near settlements, as Israeli authorities face criticism for the low rate of prosecutions for attacks against Palestinians.