Christian advocates have called on President Donald Trump to encourage Israel to protect Palestinian Christian communities from violence by settlers. They warn that continued attacks and restrictions are forcing them out of the West Bank, undermining one of the oldest Christian presences in the Holy Land.
President Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection, despite recent incidents involving settlers targeting individuals in the West Bank. Trump’s ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, condemned an attack on an American journalist, demanding that Israel arrest those responsible.
The U.S. Embassy has worked to have Israeli forces remove settlers involved in these instances. Israeli police are investigating these incidents, which Netanyahu termed ‘confrontations,’ raising questions about responsibility.
European diplomats and a French mayor were also allegedly attacked by settlers in Taybeh. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the violence and suggested that better coordination could have prevented the attacks.
Alexandrya Pouliot, who runs the Save West Bank Christians campaign, was present during an attack in Taybeh. She highlighted the existential threat facing Christians in the West Bank, who may face ‘erasure’ if the violence continues.
The Reverend Mae Elise Cannon added that many Christian families in Bethlehem are leaving due to the lack of a safe and prosperous future.
The Trump administration has communicated its goal for a stable West Bank, but it faces criticism for not adequately addressing settler violence. Christians in the region are increasingly emigrating, with the current population making up less than 2% of the West Bank’s residents.
Various reports indicate a significant number of Christians leaving Bethlehem and Taybeh due to escalating tensions. Residents face direct threats to their livelihood, like the inability to harvest olives, due to military zone designations.
Global Christian communities often turn a blind eye to this violence, Cannon notes, due to theological beliefs about Israel. The local Christian population, isolated from their Holy Sites, remains vulnerable.
The U.S. Senate recently voted against a resolution to report on increasing West Bank violence affecting American citizens. This decision has provoked criticism from some politicians who argue for accountability and justice for victims’ families.
While supporting Israel, the U.S. government, along with Israeli officials, has repeatedly condemned settler violence. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for Israel to crack down on settler attacks.
U.S. diplomats visited Taybeh after recent incidents. Activists report that officials promised serious action to protect the community.
Israel condemns settler violence, labeling the offenders as rogue extremists. Netanyahu has spoken against criminal acts that disrupt peace and harm Israel’s global standing.