US envoy warns Jewish extremist attacks are hurting Israel's standing in America

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has warned that attacks and hate crimes allegedly carried out by Jewish extremists in the occupied West Bank are seriously damaging Israel's reputation in the United States.

According to Israel's public broadcaster Kan, Huckabee said Israel needs to preserve its relationships with American supporters and avoid actions that could further undermine its standing.

"Israel needs all the friends it can get," Huckabee said, adding that the country "doesn't need more enemies".

Huckabee said he was not personally concerned by graffiti targeting him after a mosque was set alight in the occupied West Bank village of Bazariya. However, he described the broader pattern of attacks as a serious concern.

He warned that the reputational damage was extending beyond traditional political divisions in the United States and was being felt even among Republican supporters of Israel.

Huckabee also expressed concern that such incidents could increasingly shape how younger Americans view Israel, particularly if reports of violence and attacks become their primary exposure to the country.

His comments came after he last month described Jewish rioters who had surrounded Palestinian residents in the West Bank village of Qusra as "Israeli terrorists".

The remarks angered some Israeli extremists. Following the mosque arson in Bazariya, perpetrators reportedly left graffiti directed at Huckabee that read: "Huckabee, regards from the terrorists."

The ambassador's comments come amid heightened tensions in the occupied West Bank, where violence involving Israeli settlers and Palestinians has drawn increasing international attention.

Huckabee also addressed Iran, saying he believed Tehran had been significantly weakened militarily and economically as a result of policies pursued by US President Donald Trump.

He rejected suggestions that Trump was postponing action on Iran's nuclear programme because of a focus on the Strait of Hormuz.

Huckabee said Iran's threat to the United States was longstanding and remained an issue that Washington could not afford to ignore.