Here’s what U.S. officials recently stated regarding the attack on a Palestinian site in the occupied West Bank:
On July 19, 2025, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee publicly condemned an arson attack on a Palestinian church and cemetery in Taybeh, calling it an “act of terror”. The attack, attributed to Israeli settlers, occurred on July 8 and involved incendiary damage near a 5th‑century church and gravesites. Huckabee pressed for those responsible to be “found and prosecuted,” emphasizing that soft reprimands would not suffice
Related Incident: Killing of a Palestinian‑American
Just days earlier, Huckabee also denounced the killing of 20‑year‑old Sayfollah “Saif” Musallet, a Palestinian‑American visiting family in the West Bank. He described the beating and strangulation by Israeli settlers as a “criminal and terrorist act” and called for a thorough investigation by Israeli authorities, urging accountability
Context & U.S. Response
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These statements mark a rare instance of the Trump administration taking targeted, forceful public action against settler violence, especially given Huckabee’s historically supportive stance toward Israeli settlements
The rise in settler attacks across the West Bank has surged since the Gaza war began in October 2023, contributing to heightened tensions and violence in the region
The U.S. condemnation aligns with broader international concern over the failure to prosecute perpetrators and the increasing reports of impunity surrounding settler violence
Accountability & Investigations
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Ambassador Huckabee demanded not only condemnation but a formal legal process: arrests, prosecution, and tangible accountability, not just verbal reprimands
In the case of Musallet’s killing, delayed emergency medical assistance—due to obstruction by settlers—was seen as a deeply troubling violation that contributed to his death before reaching careWhile Israeli officials claim investigations are underway and that violence may have been triggered by stone‑throwing, these narratives remain unverified by independent sources
Summary Table
| Incident | U.S. Reaction | Specifics |
|---|---|---|
| Church arson in Taybeh (July 8) | Called “act of terror”; demanded prosecution | Target was 5th-century church and cemetery |
| Beating death of Saif Musallet | Labeled criminal & terrorist; urged investigation | Emergency delays highlighted in criticism |
Why It Matters
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Shifts U.S. Tone: Despite a pro‑settlement tilt in overall policy—such as rolling back Biden‑era sanctions—these condemnations reflect selective but clear pushback on egregious violence
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Escalation in Violence: The incidents correspond to a wider wave of settler attacks since October 2023, including arson in Taybeh and widespread settler assaults across the West Bank
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Pressure on Israel: U.S. officials are now explicitly calling for Israeli authorities to step in to protect Palestinian communities and bring perpetrators to justice, even amid broader policy shifts
Key Quotes
“It is an act of terror, and it is a crime… Not just reprimanded, that’s not enough.” — Huckabee on Taybeh attack
“We call for a thorough investigation… this is a criminal and terrorist act.” — Huckabee on Musallet’s death
Bottom Line
The U.S., represented by Ambassador Huckabee, is publicly condemning violent attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank—unequivocally labeling them as terrorist acts and demanding justice. These expressions of anger and insistence on prosecution mark a noticeable shift in tone, especially amid a broader U.S. posture perceived as more favorable toward Israeli settlements. They underscore growing international concern over settler violence and impunity, particularly as rates of attacks escalate alongside the Gaza conflict.
Let me know if you’d like deeper context or coverage on wider reactions—from the UN, Palestinian Authority, or international community.
