US sends 'furious' messages to Israel over West Bank violence

The Biden administration sent "furious" messages to Israeli officials demanding immediate explanations regarding violent attacks by settlers against Palestinian families in the occupied West Bank village of Qusra, with senior American officials questioning the Israeli military's failure to intervene, according to Israeli media reports on Wednesday.

Washington's concerns

The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that American officials expressed shock during recent conversations with Israeli counterparts regarding the deteriorating security situation. "American officials said in conversations with Israeli counterparts that they were shocked by the incident and questioned what was happening," the daily reported, citing diplomatic sources familiar with the exchanges. Washington's envoy specifically challenged Tel Aviv's control over its security apparatus in the occupied territory.

US diplomats pressed Israeli authorities on the apparent breakdown of law and order. "The Americans raised difficult questions about whether there is anarchy in Israel and how it is possible that the army does not prevent harm to Palestinians," the newspaper added, highlighting growing frustration in Washington over unchecked settler violence against civilians.

Families trapped

Israeli settlers have maintained a blockade on two Palestinian families inside their homes in Qusra, located near Nablus, since Sunday — leaving the residents with dwindling supplies and no access to humanitarian assistance. Rights groups have issued urgent appeals for authorities to intervene and end the siege, which has entered its fourth day without any sign of Israeli military intervention to protect the trapped civilians.