Settler violence rises, Israelis, foreigners question the cost of government inaction – editorial

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee condemned "Israeli terrorists" for seizing Palestinian homes in the Kusea and Jalud areas of the West Bank, blocking roads, damaging infrastructure, and clashing with Israeli forces. This follows a new offshoot outpost established by settlers near Palestinian homes. Huckabee stated, "The actions of those doing this to this family's home are criminal." A senior White House official also expressed concern that Israel is not doing enough to prevent settler violence. The article suggests government inaction stems from a lack of interest in curbing extremists, with Defense Minister Israel Katz reportedly ending administrative detention for Jews in January 2025, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu downplaying the issue. Reports indicate a 63% surge in "nationalistic crime" by Jewish settlers in the West Bank during the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year, raising questions among Israel's supporters about the government's inaction.