Huckabee’s Israel land remarks condemned as ‘dangerous and inflammatory’
The Guardian World
by Julian Borger in JerusalemFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has sparked widespread condemnation from Arab and Islamic governments after suggesting on the Tucker Carlson podcast that it would be "fine" for Israel to claim a broad swath of the Middle East. The remarks, made during an interview discussing Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, were labeled "dangerous and inflammatory" by officials across the region. Huckabee, a prominent evangelical Christian pastor and former governor of Arkansas, has long been a vocal supporter of Israeli settlements, which are widely criticized as illegal under international law. His comments have raised concerns about their potential to destabilize the already tense situation in the Middle East.
The statement from Arab and Islamic governments highlighted the sensitivity of the issue and the broader implications of Huckabee's remarks on US relations with the region. The ambassador's suggestion that Israel could assert control over a larger area has been met with strong opposition, not only from Palestinian authorities but also from key allies of the United States in the Middle East. Critics argue that such statements undermine efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and could further complicate an already volatile region.
Huckabee's comments come at a time when tensions between Israel and its neighbors remain high, particularly over issues like settlement expansion, borders, and resource allocation. His remarks have drawn comparisons to past controversies involving US officials making statements that align too closely with Israeli policies, raising questions about the impartiality of American diplomacy in the region. As a former governor and prominent political figure, Huckabee's influence within evangelical Christian circles also adds weight to his comments, potentially shaping public opinion on Israel and its actions in the occupied territories.
The situation underscores the delicate balance required in US foreign policy when dealing with issues as sensitive as Israeli settlements and regional stability. While Huckabee's remarks may reflect his personal views, they highlight the broader challenges of navigating relationships between the United States, Israel, and Arab nations. The condemnation from Arab governments
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/22/2026