US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has called for Israeli authorities to "aggressively investigate" the death of a Palestinian-American in the occupied West Bank. Sayfollah Musallat, a 20-year-old dual citizen, died after allegedly being beaten by Israeli settlers in the town of Sinjil, according to reports from the Palestinian health ministry.
After an initially slow response from the US, Huckabee condemned the act, labeling it a "criminal and terrorist act" during a news briefing on Wednesday. In further statements, US President Donald Trump indicated that a meeting addressing the killing would occur on Thursday. The Israeli military announced an investigation, claiming the incident arose from a violent confrontation initiated by "terrorists" who reportedly threw stones at civilians.
Musallat, originally from Tampa, Florida, was visiting family in Sinjil when he was fatally attacked, alongside his friend Mohammed al-Shalabi, who died after sustaining a gunshot wound. According to the Musallat family, Saif was trying to protect their land from encroaching settlers, which culminated in the tragic confrontation. They also reported that settlers obstructed an ambulance trying to reach Saif, who succumbed to his injuries before receiving medical attention.
In response to the tragedy, Huckabee asserted on social media that accountability is necessary for such actions. "There must be accountability for this criminal and terrorist act. Saif was just 20 years old," he stated. A vocal supporter of Israeli settlements, Huckabee has faced scrutiny from opposition Democrats for his previously controversial remarks related to the Israel-Gaza conflict and ongoing tensions in the region.
He has advocated for a "greater Israel," suggesting enduring control over the Occupied Palestinian Territories, often using Biblical references to describe the West Bank as "Judea and Samaria." Notably, Huckabee recently criticized certain allied nations for imposing sanctions on far-right Israeli officials known for inciting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
