After Israel Hayom revealed video evidence proving no fire damage occurred at the Saint George Church in Taybeh and the Israel Police confirming this, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee issued a public clarifications saying the media did not properly convey his comments on the event.
Video: International Desk Director Binyamin Regional Council Passentin at the Taybeh church / Credit: Binyamin Regional Council
Israeli police released an official statement Tuesday confirming the findings after Israel Hayom published video documentation showing the church remained completely undamaged by a nearby fire. The police statement directly contradicted earlier reports that had circulated across various media outlets.
Israel Police stated: "Contrary to misleading reports, no damage was caused to the Church of Saint George in Taybeh. The fire was limited to an adjacent open area, not the holy site. Emergency services received reports from local residents, including both Israelis and one Palestinian caller. The District Commander has initiated a thorough investigation. If arson is confirmed, justice will be pursued regardless of race or background. Due process is based on facts, not headlines."
Ambassador Huckabee visited the location Saturday to assess the situation firsthand and express sadness over the incident. On Monday, the ambassador posted on X on Monday to clarify he did not assign blame to Jewish settlers: "Investigation reveals no damage to ancient church in Taybeh & investigation of origin of fire continues. I have NOT attributed the cause of fire to any person or group as we don't know for sure. The press has. I have said that regardless, it was crime & deserves consequences."
Contrary to misleading reports, no damage was caused to the Church of Saint George in Taybeh. The fire was limited to an adjacent open area, not the holy site. Emergency services received reports from local residents, including both Israelis and one Palestinian caller. The… pic.twitter.com/eFicgMPLQJ
— Israel Police (@israelpolice) July 21, 2025
The clarification came after widespread media coverage suggested potential involvement by Jewish settlers in what was initially reported as church arson. The video evidence published by Israel Hayom definitively showed the ancient religious site sustained no fire damage.
Contrary to the claims made by local Arabs in the area of Ramaalla, several investigations have found that no church was burned. Also it looks that the violence was in between the Arab community with no links to the Jews who are living in the area.
Actually the Jews are those… pic.twitter.com/KdQpSyZQRN— Ariel Kahana אריאל כהנא (@arik3000) July 21, 2025
Police investigators continue examining the source of the fire that occurred in an open area adjacent to the church property.
