US ambassador denounces West Bank settler siege as Israel dispatches troops

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned what he called "Israeli terrorists" for trapping three Palestinian families in their homes in the West Bank village of Qusra. The Israeli military deployed soldiers to the area to protect residents, instructing them to remain indoors. At least two other families, including children, were also trapped, cut off from food and supplies. Loui Ridi, a Palestinian-American whose brother is among the residents, described the situation as terrifying, with family members rationing food and fearing for their lives. Israeli troops have since arrived, but the US ambassador described the settlers as "Israeli terrorists" and demanded their removal. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz condemned settler violence, emphasizing that only authorities should take action. Meanwhile, the UN reported further displacement of Palestinians due to settler activity and Israeli military operations. In southern Lebanon, Israeli forces continued demolitions in Zawtar al-Sharqieh, with reports of civilian buildings destroyed. A US-backed agreement aims for Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas as Lebanese forces take control and Hezbollah is disarmed. Additionally, the USS Abraham Lincoln naval deployment faced challenges, with reports of morale issues and suicide attempts, though US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth disputed these claims. Iran rejected US claims about the Strait of Hormuz, asserting full control and monitoring US-Israeli activity in the region.