US Ambassador Mike Huckabee has faced criticism for his past support of Israeli settlements while advocating for justice in the recent killing of a dual citizen.
US Ambassador Urges Israel to Thoroughly Investigate Palestinian-American's Death
US Ambassador Urges Israel to Thoroughly Investigate Palestinian-American's Death
The call for accountability comes after the brutal killing of Sayfollah Musallat, a Palestinian-American, in the occupied West Bank.
US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has recently urged Israeli authorities to conduct an "aggressive investigation" into the death of Sayfollah Musallat, a 20-year-old Palestinian-American citizen killed in the occupied West Bank. Reports indicate that Musallat was beaten to death by Israeli settlers in the town of Sinjil, leading to expressions of outrage from both his family and Palestinian officials.
Initially, the US government's response to the tragedy was muted. However, Huckabee characterized the incident as a "criminal and terrorist act," signaling a shift in tone. President Donald Trump has announced that discussions regarding the incident will take place, emphasizing the US administration's commitment to addressing the situation.
According to statements from the Israeli military, the altercation arose after Israeli civilians were reportedly attacked by "terrorists" throwing stones. Musallat was visiting family in Sinjil, located north of Ramallah, and he was killed alongside his friend, Mohammed al-Shalabi, who was shot during the confrontation. Al-Shalabi was 23 years old and lived nearby.
Musallat's family asserts that he was defending his family's land from incursions by settlers, who also obstructed ambulance access following the attack, hindering his chance for timely medical care. They have called upon the US State Department to initiate its own investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
In a fervent social media post, Huckabee demanded accountability for what he termed as a "criminal and terrorist act," emphasizing the youth of Musallat and the need for justice. He has been a noted supporter of Israeli settlements, which are widely regarded as illegal under international law, and his involvement in this case has sparked debate given these past positions.
Huckabee's advocacy for a "greater Israel" and his previous criticisms of allied nations sanctioning Israeli officials for inciting violence raise questions about the balance between his political beliefs and the pressure for accountability in incidents like that of Musallat’s death.
