US envoy labels settlers ‘terrorist’.
In an interview with the News Nation website, he emphasized, “Israelis can also commit terrorism. Of course, most of these people are not the main settlers, but a small number of angry and dissatisfied young people; people who can be called thugs.”
Referring to the increase in settler attacks against Palestinian civilians, the US ambassador said that these actions are “terrorist in nature.”
He claimed that Israeli authorities are seeking to prosecute the perpetrators of these attacks and added: “Anyone who commits a terrorist act, even if he is an Israeli, will face full legal action.”
Since October 2023, more than 1,076 Palestinians have been martyred in attacks by the Israeli army and settlers in the occupied territories, and more than 10,700 people have been injured. 20,500 Palestinians have also been arrested.
During the same period, Israeli settlers have carried out 7,154 attacks against Palestinians and their property in the West Bank.
Huckabee expressed optimism about the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza, saying, “We have seen a significant calm during this period.”
He also dismissed Tel Aviv’s concerns about the sale of US F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia as unfounded, saying, “Israel understands that US legal obligations continue to emphasize maintaining Israel’s military and defense superiority.”
He noted, “We have an agreement with Israel that guarantees Tel Aviv’s military superiority in the Middle East, and I think they are confident that the United States will adhere to that principle.”
The United States and Saudi Arabia signed several strategic agreements during Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington, including the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets.
US President Donald Trump also announced that the fighter jets sold to Riyadh were “very similar” to the models delivered to Israel, and that both countries are “great allies” of the U.S.