Background of the Incident
On July 8, Israeli settlers set fire to the Church of St. George in the Palestinian town of Taybeh, a site that dates back to the fifth century and holds deep meaning for local Christians and visitors alike. Ambassador Mike Huckabee arrived at the charred compound on Saturday and walked through the smoke‑tinted ruins, noting the remains of livestock that settlers had driven into the sacred grounds in addition to the flames.
He declared the act a terror attack and pressed Israel to hold the attackers to account rather than offer mild rebukes.
Diplomatic Shift in Tone
Huckabee’s statements mark one of the few times a US envoy has openly rebuked settler violence in the occupied territories. He called for strong measures and said that those who attacked the church must face legal consequences under criminal law. His language contrasted with past policies under the Trump administration that often eased pressure on camp groups and removed sanctions that the Biden team had imposed in January 2025. This turn of events suggests growing concern within the US government over extremist acts that target civilians and religious sites.
Local Voices and Frustration
Father Jack‑Nobel Abed, the priest who cares for the Taybeh church, told local media that he lodged 14 separate complaints about settler attacks over the past two years without any police follow‑up. He said that officers failed to investigate or arrest suspects despite clear evidence and witness statements.
Father Abed spoke of fear among parishioners who worry that their houses and places of worship offer no real protection. His remarks underscore how routine acts of violence have worn down faith in law enforcement on both sides of the divide.
Surge in West Bank Attacks
Palestinian authorities recorded over 2,153 attacks by settlers on villagers and their land during the first half of 2025 alone. Reports from CBS News show that security forces and settlers killed at least 957 Palestinians in the West Bank since October 2023, while Palestinian militants or soldiers killed at least 36 Israelis in the same period.
This spike in violence coincides with the Gaza war triggered last October by a Hamas raid, raising tensions and prompting renewed calls for outside mediation.
Political and Legal Context
Last year, the International Court of Justice ruled that Israeli settlements on land captured in the 1967 war violate international law. Israel disputed that finding, citing ancient ties and security needs. Still, the court’s verdict pressured world leaders to speak out.
Huckabee’s charge that burning a church amounts to terror echoes his earlier remarks when he condemned the killing of Palestinian‑American Saif Musallet near Ramallah as a criminal act. His repeated calls for investigation and prosecution demonstrate a growing US willingness to back words with demands for justice.
Personal Analysis
I see this moment as a test of both Israeli and US resolve to protect civilians and holy places, regardless of faith or nationality. Holding individuals accountable signals that violence against the weak will not pass without cost. If authorities act firmly, they can show that law and order still matter even in an unsettled region. At the same time, failure to follow through risks deepening anger on both sides and eroding trust in those who claim to safeguard peace and faith.
Sources: arabnews.com
