US Ambassador Labels Israeli Right-Wing Activists 'Israeli Terrorists' Over Palestinian Home Siege

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Herzog issued an unusually harsh statement condemning the siege of a Palestinian family home in the village of Kuseira by right-wing Israeli activists. In a tweet on X, Herzog said the US Embassy in Jerusalem was deeply involved and that the Israel Defense Forces and Israeli police arrived at the scene at the embassy's request to remove what he called "Israeli terrorists" responsible for the attack. He described the violence as criminal and horrifying acts intended to intimidate and harass the family, calling the behavior disgusting and unjustifiable.

The statement represents an unprecedented sharp rebuke from a prominent US official known for supporting Israel during the Trump administration. The incident has also prompted a planned conversation between a senior White House official and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reflecting deep US concern over what is seen as Israeli security forces' failure to prevent such violence.

In response to the escalating tensions, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered reinforcement of troops in the Kuseira area by deploying an additional infantry battalion. The military stated the troop buildup aims to strengthen order and operational control in the region and prevent further serious incidents.

This development highlights growing US pressure on Israel regarding settler violence and the Israeli government's handling of security in Palestinian areas, alongside a military effort to stabilize the situation on the ground.