Huckabee says he called on police, IDF to 'remove the Israeli terrorists' From Qusra

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee responded Thursday to a siege imposed by Jewish extremists on a Palestinian family in the West Bank village of Qusra, describing those involved as "Israeli terrorists."

Huckabee stated that the U.S. Embassy was actively engaged in the situation. "The IDF and police came at our request to remove the Israeli terrorists who are doing this," He said. He characterized the actions as criminal and denounced them as "a horrific act of terror meant to intimidate and harass this family," Adding that "No excuse for such thuggish behavior." He also dismissed suggestions that the White House had failed to intervene, noting that the administration had kept Washington informed.

The incident has drawn scrutiny from U.S. Officials. The White House and members of the administration and Congress expressed anger over events in Qusra and sought explanations from Israel. Administration officials conveyed shock at the incident to Israeli counterparts. In Washington, questions have emerged about whether there is anarchy in Israel and why security forces have not removed extremists from an illegal outpost near Palestinian homes.

The situation centers on an outpost near the homes of several Palestinian families in Qusra. The Tel Talpiot outpost has recently served as a base for establishing additional settlements in the area. "There is a siege on three houses. We cannot bring them food. The settlers cut off the electricity," Qusra council head Abd al-Azim Wadi said. He reported that local officials contacted Israeli police and Palestinian coordination offices when settlers arrived, but said "no one did anything."

Security forces arrived Wednesday morning. The IDF said it had evacuated a structure but noted that additional extremists subsequently arrived and blocked access roads with heavy rocks. Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth visited the site. Clashes were reported with IDF and Border Police forces.

The IDF stated it was working to remove civilians from the area and announced disciplinary action against forces documented at the site days earlier. Later, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir ordered a reinforcement of the sector with an additional regular infantry battalion and instructed continuation of actions to restore order and bring those involved to justice. The operation was described as a multiagency effort involving Israel Police and the Shin Bet.