U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated that settlers should not seize homes or land in the West Bank owned by Palestinian Americans, describing such actions as a violation of God's law and basic civility. The comments followed an August 9 encirclement of homes in Qusra by settlers, including property owned by Palestinian American Loui Ridi, which drew Israeli military intervention and international condemnation. Huckabee, a Baptist minister and longtime settlement supporter, spoke to Reuters in Jerusalem.