US Ambassador Clarifies Settlers Are Not the Problem in West Bank After Controversy

Hours after calling hilltop activists in the West Bank village of Kusra "Israeli terrorists," US Ambassador to Israel Mike Herzog clarified that his criticism was not directed at the settler community as a whole. He emphasized that settlers are not the problem in Judea and Samaria, but rather a very small minority causing significant harm. Herzog described this minority as "anti-settlers" who inflict damage on both Palestinian families and Israel. He cited Israel Gantz, head of the Binyamin Regional Council and chairman of the Yesha Council, as an example of settlers condemning the actions of this minority. The ambassador expressed hope that media outlets would present this balanced perspective.

The clarification followed Herzog's earlier sharp condemnation of the siege imposed by hilltop activists on a Palestinian family home in Kusra. He stated that the US Embassy in Jerusalem was involved and that, at its request, the IDF and Israeli police intervened to remove those he labeled "Israeli terrorists." Herzog described the activists' behavior as criminal, intended to intimidate and harass the family, calling it horrifying and unjustifiable.

Amid this diplomatic tension, a senior White House official reportedly plans to discuss the matter with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reflecting deep US concern over what is seen as Israeli security forces' failure to act decisively. Concurrently, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered reinforcements in the Kusra area with an additional infantry battalion to strengthen operational control and prevent further serious incidents, according to the military.