Huckabee blasts ‘act of terror’ on church, calls it ‘crime against humanity’

Palestinian Christian leaders claim the site was targeted in an arson attack that the media reported was carried out by ‘Israeli settlers,’ although there is no proof.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited the Christian town of Taybeh in Judea and Samaria on Saturday, urging accountability after a recent string of incidents, including an arson attack near a centuries-old church.

The visit highlighted the ambassador’s commitment to religious freedom and the protection of sacred sites.


Huckabee, a longtime supporter of Israel, toured the remains of the Church of St. George. Palestinian Christian leaders say the site was targeted in an arson attack that the media reported to have been carried out by “Israeli settlers,” although there is no proof.

The ambassador’s visit came in response to growing concerns about isolated acts of violence in the area.

“Desecrating a church, mosque or synagogue is a crime against humanity and God,” Huckabee posted on X. “I work for ALL American citizens who live in Israel—Jewish, Muslim or Christian. When they are terrorized or victims of crime, I will demand those responsible be held accountable with real consequences.”

Calling the church fire “an act of terror,” Huckabee said justice must be pursued firmly. “Not just reprimanded, that’s not enough. People need to pay a price for doing something that destroys that which belongs, not just to other people, but that which belongs to God.”

Huckabee also condemned the recent death of Palestinian-American Saif Musallet near Ramallah, calling it “a criminal and terrorist act.”

The implication is that Israeli civilians are responsible, but the facts are not clear and Israeli authorities have said an investigation is underway.

An investigative report by TPS found inconsistencies in Palestinian claims that Israeli settlers set the fire.

In fact, video footage of the incident shows Israeli settlers – most of whom work at a nearby farm – trying to extinguish the blaze.

The church itself was not damaged. The fire was in an outside area, adjacent to the church. 

The fire in question was only one of four blazes reported in the area. Jewish farmers and shepherds complained to police in all four instances, accusing Arabs of torching areas they used as pasture for their flocks.

The incident quickly gained international attention, including from American lawmakers.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican, mistakenly told Fox News that a church was “burned to the ground.”

“There was a Catholic church burned in the West Bank. I am incredibly upset by that. I am an unapologetic supporter of Israel. As a Christian, you can go to Jerusalem and worship safely; as a Muslim, you can do the same,” Graham said.

Arab christiansJudea and SamariaMike Huckabee