Siege of Loui Ridi’s Home in Qusra, West Bank

Palestinian-American Loui Ridi, who lives in Ohio and maintains a second home in the West Bank village of Qusra, has been confined to his house for more than a week after Israeli settlers established a makeshift encampment on his property. When Ridi returned with a military escort on Monday, soldiers ordered him back inside and asked the settlers to leave. The next day, despite soldiers telling the crowd to disperse, at least three settlers remained, threatening Ridi’s family and demanding the soldiers force him out of his yard. Ridi says the army has been unable or unwilling to keep the area clear, and he fears the settlers will rebuild their tents as soon as troops withdraw.

Associated Press

The incident occurs amid a broader pattern of settler-led intimidation in the occupied West Bank, where roughly 560,000 Israeli settlers live alongside 2.8 million Palestinians under Israeli military rule. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government has been described as emboldening extremist settlers, who have repeatedly attacked villages, torched homes, cars and mosques, and taken over Palestinian properties. The international community generally regards the settlements as illegal and obstacles to peace, though enforcement against settler violence remains limited.

Associated Press

The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has condemned the ongoing siege. Israeli military officials said the closed military zone had been cleared on Tuesday but declined to explain why settlers continued to occupy the area. Israeli police have detained one settler in the past week, yet no arrests have been reported. President Donald Trump has expressed opposition to Israeli annexation of the West Bank while signaling broad acceptance of settlements and, in his second term, lifted sanctions on settlers accused of violence.

Associated Press

• 2.8 million Palestinians live under Israeli military rule in the West Bank.

Associated Press

• 560,000 Israeli settlers reside in the territory, often in expanding outposts.

Associated Press

• Qusra lies about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the Palestinian city of Nablus.

Associated Press

• “If I need to walk outside of my house, I’m not able. I have to get a permission and coordination and it’s going to take hours if it’s even possible to leave,” — Loui Ridi — Loui Ridi

Associated Press