
Wed Feb 25 14:51:13 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Rights Advocates Decry Lack of Accountability for Israeli Violence Against US Citizens
The Story:
Rights advocates are criticizing the US government’s perceived inaction regarding the deaths of American citizens at the hands of Israeli settlers and soldiers in the occupied West Bank. The criticism comes in the wake of the killing of 19-year-old US citizen Nasrallah Abu Siyam by Israeli settlers. Advocates argue that the US government’s failure to ensure accountability fosters a “deadly cycle of impunity.” They point to several cases, including the killings of Khamis Ayyad and Sayfollah Musallet, where no one has been charged despite US citizens being killed.
The advocates highlight what they see as a pattern of initial expressions of concern from US officials followed by a lack of decisive action. They suggest leveraging the substantial US aid to Israel (over $21 billion in the past two years) as a means to compel accountability. Critics also point to President Trump’s past actions, such as revoking sanctions against violent settlers, and Ambassador Mike Huckabee’s pro-Israel stance as contributing factors to the problem.
Key Points:
- Nasrallah Abu Siyam, a 19-year-old US citizen, was killed by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
- Rights advocates claim at least 11 US citizens have been killed by Israeli settlers or soldiers since 2022.
- The US Department of Justice has not opened a probe into the killing of Khamis Ayyad, and no one has been charged in the death of Sayfollah Musallet.
- Advocates call for the US government to leverage its aid to Israel to ensure accountability.
- Ambassador Mike Huckabee is criticized for his pro-Israel stance and lack of public pressure to protect American citizens.
- The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) connects Abu Siyam’s killing to Huckabee’s support for Israeli expansionism.
- Settler violence in the occupied West Bank is on the rise.
- Alex Odeh, a Palestinian American activist, was assassinated in 1985 in California, and critics claim the US authorities failed to properly investigate.
Key Takeaways:
- The US government faces increasing pressure to address the issue of violence against American citizens in the occupied West Bank.
- The perceived lack of accountability is fueling criticism and calls for action, including leveraging US aid to Israel.
- The US government’s response is viewed by some as biased, with concerns raised that the safety of Palestinian-American citizens is not prioritized.
- The actions and statements of US officials, such as Ambassador Huckabee, are under scrutiny for their potential impact on the situation.
- The historical context of past incidents, like the assassination of Alex Odeh, contributes to a sense of distrust and frustration among rights advocates.