Credited from: SCMP
Several Arab countries have condemned remarks made by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who stated it would be "fine" if Israel took control of much of the Middle East in an interview with Tucker Carlson. Huckabee's comments sparked outrage for suggesting a biblical justification for territorial claims extending from the Nile to the Euphrates rivers, which encompasses vast regions across several countries, including parts of Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq, according to Middle East Eye and Channel News Asia.
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry stated Huckabee's comments were "absurd and provocative," claiming they violate diplomatic norms and international law. Similarly, Egypt's Foreign Ministry labeled these remarks a "blatant violation" of international law, reinforcing that "Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory or other Arab lands," according to AA and Los Angeles Times.
Huckabee’s assertion, made during a podcast where he reiterated Israel's "right to security," states that these comments are not reflective of Israel seeking new territory leaves them at odds with long-standing US policies, particularly under President Donald Trump, who has publicly opposed any annexation of the West Bank. The backlash included statements from organizations such as the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, emphasizing the comments align with extremist rhetoric that threatens regional stability, as reported by India Times and South China Morning Post.
As regional governments issued statements, countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait also sharply criticized Huckabee’s remarks. Saudi Arabia described his comments as "reckless" and went on to demand clarification from the US State Department, reinforcing that such statements violate international law. Meanwhile, Oman expressed that Huckabee's assertions undermine the foundations of international order and peace in the Middle East, according to Middle East Eye and AA.
As the outrage continues, Huckabee defended the broader implications of his remarks, claiming they were "somewhat hyperbolic". However, the wave of condemnation from diverse Islamic and Arab nations signifies a united front against perceived threats to their sovereignty and territorial integrity. The backlash represents ongoing tensions in the region related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and highlights the sensitive diplomatic nature of territorial discourse, as indicated by Channel News Asia and India Times.