US Ambassador Demands Removal of Israeli Extremists Besieging Palestinian Family in Kusra
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Herzog sharply condemned the siege imposed by Israeli extremists on a Palestinian family in the West Bank village of Kusra, labeling the settlers as "Israeli terrorists." Speaking on Thursday, Herzog stated that the US Embassy in Jerusalem was actively involved, noting that the Israeli military and police acted at their request to remove the extremists. He described the settlers' actions as criminal and unacceptable, emphasizing that such bullying behavior has no justification.
Herzog, a known supporter of Israel who has previously affirmed that Judea and Samaria are integral parts of Israel, highlighted the political damage the Kusra incident is causing for Israel in the US and internationally. The event has sparked outrage within the White House, US administration, and Congress, with officials demanding clarifications from Israel and questioning how the military has allowed the illegal outpost near Palestinian homes to persist.
The situation escalated after settlers established an unauthorized outpost near Palestinian houses in Kusra, cutting off electricity and blocking access, effectively besieging three homes. The Palestinian local council head, Abd al-Azim Wadi, reported that security forces failed to intervene despite repeated complaints. The Israeli military eventually declared a closed military zone and removed a makeshift structure erected by settlers, but new extremists arrived, blocking roads with heavy rocks and clashing with security forces.
IDF Central Command Chief Avi Blot and other senior officers visited the area, condemning the settlers' actions and ordering disciplinary measures against soldiers involved in previous incidents. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir instructed the deployment of an additional infantry battalion to restore order and prevent further violence. The operation is being conducted jointly with the Israeli police and Shin Bet to reestablish security and hold perpetrators accountable.
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