US Ambassador Films Settlers, Denies Forced Gaza Evacuation Plans

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Hackaby visited the Palestinian town of Turmus Ayya, near Ramallah, on Saturday amid heightened tensions following recent violent incidents. During his visit, Hackaby met with U.S. citizens residing in the town and personally filmed settlers who approached a house flying an American flag. He later posted the video on X, describing the settlers as "trespassers" and detailing "disturbing stories of criminal and terrorist acts" he heard from residents. Hackaby stated that these actions were "shameful acts that do not reflect 99 percent of Israelis."

During his tour, Hackaby called for accountability for Jews involved in violence against Palestinians, asserting, "Crime is crime and terror is terror. Those who commit such acts must bear the consequences." He reiterated that the perpetrators represent a minority and do not reflect the majority of Israelis or residents of Judea and Samaria.

When questioned about discussions in Israel regarding the voluntary migration of Gaza residents, Hackaby unequivocally denied knowledge of any Israeli plan for forced displacement. "I can say unequivocally that there is no Israeli plan to uproot people from Gaza by force," he stated. "If people want to leave voluntarily, they should have the option to do so. But no one is talking about forced expulsion, neither in Israel nor in the United States."