American politician, diplomat, and Baptist minister; ambassador to Israel since 2025
A series of West Bank incidents has escalated tensions: a Palestinian teenager has been killed by Israeli settlers in Sa’ir, and multiple Palestinians have been wounded in Hebron and Jenin in separate attacks. Israeli forces are conducting arrests and raids amid a rise in settler violence, with international concern mounting.
Eight Muslim-majority states have condemned arson attacks on two West Bank mosques, attributing responsibility to Israel as settlers have ignited a wave of violence in the occupied territory. Reports describe scorched walls, graffiti including calls for vengeance, and damage to religious sites. The incidents follow a period of rising settler violence since the Gaza war began in 2023.
The United States and Iran have signed an interim accord to end the war in the Middle East, but the fragile agreement is being tested as Israel accelerates attacks in southern Lebanon. Talks were set to begin in Switzerland within 60 days, but recent bombardments and political pressure threaten any rapid progress.
The Times of Israel, Axios, Al Jazeera and other outlets report on a forthcoming White House meeting between Netanyahu and Trump, as they reaffirm shared goals on Iran. Trump has publicly asserted control over talks while Netanyahu emphasizes a strong US-Israel alliance. A NATO summit and ongoing ceasefire negotiations frame the context for possible joint actions and strategy.
Democrats are confronting internal divisions over US military aid to Israel as a Massie-sponsored amendment fails in a 314-104 vote, revealing a party fault line between left-wing critics and pro-Israel centrists. The outcome has sparked warnings from leaders that policy may shift under public pressure and shifting views among constituents.
A Jordan-hosted emergency meeting convenes to address escalating tensions around Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa and Christian holy sites. Arab ministers warn of potential regional instability as Israeli actions provoke protests and international scrutiny ahead of October elections.
The Gaza ceasefire framework is facing renewed pressure as Netanyahu rejects the 15-point plan, insisting Hamas must fully disarm before any withdrawal. U.S.-led mediators say the roadmap remains operative, while Hamas calls on Washington to pressure Israel. Violence persists, with casualties mounting in Gaza and settlements in the West Bank intensifying.
Israeli settlers have besieged at least two Palestinian homes on Qusra's outskirts since Sunday, cutting water and electricity and blocking access. Israeli security forces have repeatedly failed to remove the settlers; the army has declared a closed military zone, deployed reinforcements and opened disciplinary probes after footage showed soldiers praying with settlers. The US embassy has publicly condemned the siege.
Settlers have besieged three Palestinian homes in Qusra near Nablus, cutting off water and power. US Ambassador Huckabee has publicly condemned the violence as "disgusting" and warned of accountability, while Israel weighs moving civilian policing into the occupied West Bank. The UN and Palestinian authorities condemn the siege as a tactic of displacement.
Palestinian towns in the occupied West Bank face intensified pressure as settler violence and military raids continue. In Qusra, a 15-day siege has displaced families and raised concerns about movement restrictions, while rights groups warn of escalating displacement and the broader impact of settlement expansion.