Ambassador Huckabee, They Are Not 'Unsettlers', Don't Be Fooled By The Media

In recent days, a media event in Samaria drew widespread condemnation from outlets across Israel and internationally. Coverage showed settlers placing a tent in the courtyard of an Arab-owned house and dismantling a wall, prompting criticism from across the political spectrum. Ambassador Huckabee stated: "Actions by those who carried out this horrific act of terror meant to intimidate and harass this family are disgusting. No excuse for such thuggish behavior." Even the Yesha Council and settler leaders distanced themselves from the actions of the hilltop youths involved.

However, the reporting lacked context about the house's location and the occupant's history. The house sits on a high promontory in the region, well outside the village of Qusra and overlooking the Shiloh area. The occupant, identified as Kusai Abu Ridi (with his uncle Loui from Chicago funding the construction), was arrested after video footage showed him participating in a violent attack on a Jewish shepherd - an assault that left the shepherd requiring medical treatment. Abu Ridi was subsequently released despite the documented evidence.

The house's strategic position overlooks a nearby spring frequented by Jewish visitors. Social media posts documented masked individuals throwing stones from inside the house toward Jewish visitors, and gunfire was reportedly fired from the vicinity of the property toward a nearby farm weeks prior, with video allegedly capturing the final shots.

The account characterizes the settlers' actions as establishing a presence in the courtyard in response to this pattern of violence. Abu Ridi claims to be besieged but can exit through another side of the house to reach the village above, according to the report. The mainstream media interviewed Abu Ridi and his uncle, who criticized the settlers, but did not obtain the settlers' perspective on their actions.