Thou Shalt Not Steal: US Envoy To Israeli Settlers On Palestinian-Americans' Land
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee warned Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank against stealing property from Palestinian-Americans, citing religious law and potential US sanctions. This warning follows an incident in Qusra where settlers besieged homes, including one belonging to a Palestinian-American, drawing international condemnation.
Why it matters
This highlights US diplomatic efforts to protect its citizens' property rights in a contentious region, potentially increasing pressure on Israel regarding settlement activities and the treatment of Palestinians. It also underscores the ongoing conflict and human rights concerns in the West Bank.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has warned militant Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank not to steal property owned by Palestinian Americans, describing such behaviour as "a violation of God's law".Huckabee, a Baptist minister and longtime supporter of Israel's settlements, told Reuters in an interview that settlers found to have taken part in a siege of homes in the West Bank village of Qusra, including one belonging to Palestinian American Loui Ridi, could be punished with US sanctions.Israeli settlers began encircling homes in Qusra on August 9, in what rights groups said was an attempt to seize privately owned Palestinian land. The case has drawn international condemnation.Israel's military has deployed dozens of troops to the area and has since pushed the settlers back from the homes.
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