Mike Hakvi distinguishes settlers from lawbreakers in West Bank

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Hakvi has clarified his recent comments regarding violence in the West Bank, distinguishing between the settler population and a small minority of lawbreakers. Following incidents in the village of Kusra, Hakvi stated that ‘settlers are not the problem in Judea and Samaria; the lawbreakers are the problem.’ He described the perpetrators as a very small minority whose criminal and ‘horrific’ actions cause significant harm to both Palestinian families and Israel.

Hakvi emphasized that ‘real settlers,’ citing Israel Gantz, head of the Yesha Council, condemn these actions. He called on the media to provide balanced reporting that reflects this distinction. The Ambassador also noted that the US Embassy in Jerusalem was deeply involved in the Kusra incident, requesting that Israeli security forces intervene to remove individuals he characterized as ‘Israeli terrorists’ engaged in bullying behavior intended to intimidate families.

Concurrently, a US State Department official stated that Washington condemns criminal violence from any actor and maintains an ongoing dialogue with partners regarding stability in the West Bank, noting that regional stability is a direct security interest for Israel.