JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman met Thursday with Amishav Melet, a Samaria resident who was filmed by U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee during Huckabee’s visit to Turmus Ayya.
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Friedman said Melet had been unfairly portrayed by residents of the Arab village. He described Melet as a farmer and pacifist who was conducting a security patrol when he appeared near the delegation.
Friedman also said Melet told him he does not harbor hatred toward Palestinians, despite the killing of his brother by a Palestinian about six weeks earlier.
The meeting followed controversy over Huckabee’s visit, during which he filmed Jewish residents who approached the area where his delegation was meeting.
אירוע חריג במהלך ביקורו של שגריר ארה"ב בתורמסעיא: האקבי תיעד הגעת מתנחלים סמוך לבית המשפחה הפלסטינית שבו ביקר.
נוכחים בביקור ל-N12: השגריר הבטיח לשלוח את הסרטון באופן אישי לטראמפ, כדי להציג בפניו את ניסיונות השיבוש של הביקור על ידי המתנחלים@mmagadli pic.twitter.com/I7z6PzN7ga
— החדשות – N12 (@N12News) September 5, 2026
Huckabee later said he had traveled to Turmus Ayya to hear accounts from residents who reported being subjected to intimidation and criminal activity. He said he supports Israelis living in Judea and Samaria while opposing violence and lawlessness.
Melet subsequently identified himself as the driver of the security vehicle seen in Huckabee’s video. He said he entered the area after receiving a report of numerous vehicles gathering nearby, and that he notified the Israel Defense Forces.
Melet said the group greeted the people and journalists at the site before leaving after being told by the military that the visit was coordinated.
The episode has fueled a broader dispute over allegations of violence and intimidation involving Jewish residents in the area.
Enjoyed a cup of coffee this morning with Amishav Melet. He’s the guy who the residents of Tur Massiya tried to portray as a terrorist when all he was doing was driving a security patrol and bothering no one.
Amishav is a vegan, a pacifist and a farmer. He wants nothing more… pic.twitter.com/ppWqrodoMp
— David M Friedman (@DavidM_Friedman) September 10, 2026
It is always important to hear both sides of a story. Ambassador Friedman’s meeting with Amishav Melet provides a different perspective on the events during Ambassador Huckabee’s visit. Melet’s account of being on a security patrol, especially after his brother’s recent death, adds crucial context. Accusations of violence should always be investigated thoroughly, and individuals should not be prejudged based on initial footage or reports.
Did Friedman join a bikers gang? 😀