US Ambassador Huckabee Visits West Bank Taybeh After Settler-Arson Attack

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited the Christian Palestinian village of Taybeh in the West Bank, condemning recent attacks attributed to extremist Israeli settlers, including an arson attack near the ruins of the Byzantine-era Church of Saint George. Huckabee described any desecration of holy sites—whether churches, mosques, or synagogues—as acts of terror and sacrilege that require harsh consequences, emphasizing the need for accountability beyond mere reprimands. The ambassador expressed solidarity with the village residents and underscored his commitment to protect all American citizens living in Israel, regardless of their faith. His visit came amid escalating violence in the West Bank, including the killing of an American-Palestinian man, and growing U.S. concern over Israeli actions toward Christians. Despite his longstanding support for Israeli settlements and annexation of the West Bank, Huckabee has publicly criticized recent settler violence and Israeli authorities' handling of these incidents. The situation highlights ongoing tensions and the fragile coexistence of diverse religious communities in the area.