Arab, Muslim nations slam US envoy's Israel land remarks
Deutsche Welle
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United States Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, sparked outrage among Arab and Muslim nations after suggesting that Israel could claim large portions of the Middle East based on a biblical interpretation. During an appearance on Tucker Carlson’s podcast, Huckabee remarked, "It would be fine if they took it all," referring to a Bible verse sometimes interpreted as granting Israel entitlement to land stretching from Egypt's Nile River to Syria and Iraq's Euphrates. While he later walked back his statement, calling it hyperbolic, the backlash was swift and severe.
Arab and Muslim nations, including the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, and the Palestinian Authority, issued a joint condemnation. They labeled Huckabee’s comments "dangerous and inflammatory," arguing they violated the UN Charter and undermined efforts to de-escalate the Gaza conflict and achieve a peaceful resolution. The statement also reiterated their rejection of Israeli actions like annexing the West Bank or expanding settlements in occupied territories.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions as Israel continues to expand its control over areas in the West Bank and other regions, including moves seen by many as illegal under international law. While former President Donald Trump had pledged to block such actions, current policies suggest a more permissive approach. The situation is further complicated by ongoing territorial disputes and border adjustments following conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah.
The controversy highlights broader concerns about biblical interpretations influencing foreign policy decisions, particularly in the Middle East, where such claims often clash with historical and geopolitical realities. Arab and Muslim nations fear that such statements could emboldensettlement expansions and undermine peace efforts, ultimately destabilizing the region further. This issue underscores the delicate balance of religious, political, and territorial complexities that continue to shape global relations.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/22/2026