US Secretary of State Rubio Expresses Concern Over West Bank Settler Violence
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed deep concern over recent images of settler violence in the West Bank, stating the administration does not want to see a new flare-up. The U.S. is awaiting a full report from its embassy in Israel on the incidents, which have also drawn condemnation from the U.S. Ambassador and European diplomats. Following attacks on Palestinian olive harvesters and international observers, Belgium is pushing for EU sanctions against violent settlers.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is troubled by images of settler violence in the West Bank.
- Rubio stated the U.S. administration does not want to see a new flare-up in the West Bank.
- The U.S. Embassy in Israel is expected to provide a detailed report on the incidents.
- U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee condemned an attack on Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine.
- Diplomats from France, Belgium, and Poland were present during a settler attack on olive harvesters.
- Belgium is pushing for EU sanctions against violent settlers and an end to their impunity.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Saturday night that he is troubled by images of settler violence in the West Bank. Speaking before departing for India, Rubio indicated that the Trump administration continues to urge the Israeli government to act against such violence. "The President has been very clear, and he has said it several times," Rubio said. "He does not want to see friction or crisis in the West Bank. The President does not want to see a new flare-up."
Rubio mentioned that he had learned about the recent incidents, including the attack on Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine, through media reports. He added that the U.S. Embassy in Israel is expected to provide a detailed report on the matter. "We are supposed to receive a telegram on the subject from the embassy in Israel with everything they know about it. It certainly doesn't look good - it's all very disturbing," he stated. The U.S. is closely monitoring events in the West Bank during the olive harvest season.
Rubio's remarks followed a strong condemnation of the attack on Levine by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who called it a "cowardly act of terror" and stated that those responsible should face lengthy prison sentences for attacking an American citizen.
These statements come after a separate incident where settlers, reportedly masked, attacked Palestinian residents harvesting olives in the village of Taybeh, near Ramallah. French and Belgian diplomats, including the French Consul in Jerusalem, were present and stated that the settlers smashed a window of a Belgian consulate vehicle. The Polish Foreign Ministry also condemned the incident, calling it "deeply shocking" and urging Israeli authorities to investigate, identify, and prosecute those responsible.
The Belgian Foreign Minister joined in condemning the attack, announcing Belgium's continued efforts to promote EU sanctions against those responsible for and supporting such violence, calling for an end to the impunity enjoyed by violent settlers.
Mentioned
