Arab world condemns Huckabee comments about Israel having claim to Middle East
The Hill
by Max RegoFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Arab world has strongly condemned former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee for his remarks suggesting that Israel could lay claim to the entire Middle East. During an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, Huckabee implied that Israel had a historical and legal right to assert dominance over the region. This statement sparked outrage across multiple Muslim-majority nations, including Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bahrain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, and others.
In response, these countries issued a joint statement through their foreign affairs ministries, expressing strong disapproval of Huckabee's comments. They emphasized that such claims were not only factually incorrect but also disregarded the rights and sovereignty of Arab nations. The statement underscored the importance of respecting territorial integrity and international law in resolving regional disputes.
The controversy highlights growing tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors, particularly over issues like Palestinian statehood and territorial expansion. Huckabee's remarks have been seen as fueling existing regional conflicts and complicating U.S.-Arab relations. Critics argue that such statements not only ignore historical contexts but also risk destabilizing the already fragile Middle East peace process.
This issue matters to readers interested in politics because it underscores the delicate balance of power and diplomacy in the Middle East. Huckabee's comments have reignited debates over Israel's regional ambitions and the role of external actors like the United States in mediating such disputes. The reaction from Arab nations also reflects their collective concern over potential threats to their sovereignty and security.
Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of how even off-hand remarks by high-profile figures can escalate tensions in an already volatile region. It raises questions about the future of U.S.-Middle East relations and the ability of international diplomacy to address complex regional conflicts.
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/23/2026