‘Absurd and provocative’: Huckabee faces firestorm for Israel border stance
Al Jazeera
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has sparked widespread condemnation from Arab nations after suggesting that Israel has a biblical right to expand its territory across a significant portion of the Middle East. During an interview with US commentator Tucker Carlson, Huckabee stated, “It would be fine if they took it all,” referring to Israel’s claim over lands spanning from the Euphrates River in Iraq to the Nile River in Egypt—a region encompassing modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and parts of Saudi Arabia. His remarks were immediately condemned by Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and other regional bodies as “extremist” and “provocative,” violating international norms and diplomatic protocols.
Huckabee later clarified his comments, calling them a “hyperbolic statement,” and emphasized that Israel does not seek territorial expansion but aims to secure its current borders. However, his past statements, including opposition to the two-state solution and questioning the existence of Palestinian identity, have consistently fueled controversy. His latest remarks align with his long-standing Christian Zionist views, which often prioritize Israel’s rights over Palestinian sovereignty.
The backlash from Arab nations highlights the sensitivity of such rhetoric in a region already marked by decades of conflict. Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia—all key US allies—condemned Huckabee’s comments as a “blatant violation” of international law and an infringement on their sovereignty. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States joined in denouncing his remarks, calling them inflammatory and detrimental to peace efforts.
This controversy underscores the delicate balance required in US foreign policy regarding Israel and the Middle East. Huckabee’s comments not only reignite tensions but also challenge Washington’s official stance on territorial disputes. Such rhetoric risks straining relationships with Arab nations while further complicating an already volatile region. The situation highlights the broader challenges of navigating religious, national, and geopolitical interests in a complex and contentious area.
Ultimately, Huckabee’s remarks serve as a reminder of the deep divisions and high stakes involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/21/2026