US Officials Condemn Israeli Settler Violence and Siege on Palestinian Families in Kusra

The White House, along with American government and congressional officials, expressed strong outrage over violent actions by Israeli settlers in Kusra, demanding clarifications from Israel. US officials conveyed shock in conversations with Israeli counterparts, questioning whether anarchy prevails in Israel and why the Israeli military has not prevented harm to Palestinians. This situation is particularly embarrassing for Israel's supporters within the US administration.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Herzog publicly condemned the settlers' siege on Palestinian families in Kusra via social media platform X, stating that the US Embassy in Jerusalem was actively involved and that the Israeli Defense Forces and police intervened at the embassy's request to remove the Israeli settlers responsible. Herzog described the settlers' actions as criminal and terroristic, intended to intimidate and harass the Palestinian family, and called the behavior unacceptable and without excuse.

For four days, Palestinian families in Kusra have been under siege by settlers who established an illegal outpost near their homes, blocking access. Louis Abu Ridi, an Ohio resident who owns property in the besieged area, reported that his brother and son, living there, have been completely cut off from the village for three days without food or water. Rokaya Hassan Abu Ridi, a resident, told Reuters that settlers repeatedly cut off water and electricity, attacking maintenance workers and blocking the main road with rocks and trenches. The settlers also occupied a room to monitor and attack anyone attempting to pass, even before they reach a quarter of the way to the neighborhood.