Key Highlights
- US Ambassador Mike Huckabee faces criticism for suggesting Israel has a right to expand into much of the Middle East.
- Criticism comes from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab and Muslim nations.
- Huckabee’s comments are seen as provocative and at odds with US official positions.
- Historical opposition to two-state solution by Huckabee, who has denied Palestinian identity.
The Fallout from Mike Huckabee’s Controversial Stance
US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, finds himself in the crosshairs of a diplomatic firestorm after suggesting that Israel could rightfully annex significant Middle Eastern territories. The remarks made during an interview with Tucker Carlson on February 17, 2026, have sparked outrage and concern from neighboring countries and international organizations.
Speaking about the Biblical promise of the land to Abraham’s descendants, Huckabee stated, “It would be fine if they took it all,” a statement that encompasses modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, parts of Saudi Arabia. While he later backtracked by calling his initial comments “hyperbolic,” the damage was done.
Ambassadorial Backlash
Reactions from Arab and Muslim countries have been swift and severe. Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced Huckabee’s remarks as a “blatant violation” of international law, emphasizing that Israel has no sovereignty over Palestinian territory or other Arab lands.
Jordan’s foreign ministry described the ambassador’s statements as “absurd and provocative,” violating diplomatic norms and infringing on regional state sovereignty. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry labeled them “extremist rhetoric” and “unacceptable,” demanding clarification from the US Department of State.
Historical Context
Huckabee is no stranger to controversial statements on Israel-Palestine issues. He has long opposed the two-state solution, denying the existence of an illegal Israeli occupation in the West Bank and questioning Palestinian identity altogether.
In 2008, he famously stated, “There’s really no such thing as a Palestinian,” a comment that echoes his recent remarks and reflects his deeply held views on the region. His nomination as ambassador in 2024 by then-President Donald Trump was part of a broader push for more pro-Israel policies.
Legal Rulings and International Stance
The International Court of Justice ruled in 2024 that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory is illegal, a stance reflected in the international community’s response to Huckabee’s comments. This legal framework underscores the significance of his remarks and the diplomatic fallout they have caused.
Israel’s expansionist claims have long been controversial, with many arguing that such positions only exacerbate tensions and hinder peace efforts. The US ambassador’s role is crucial in navigating these complex dynamics, making this latest statement particularly damaging to ongoing negotiations and international relations.
You might think this is new, but… it’s not.
This episode highlights the deep divisions within both American foreign policy and international diplomacy regarding Israel-Palestine issues. As the region continues to grapple with peace and conflict, statements like Huckabee’s serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance required in navigating these sensitive territories.