Mike Huckabee infuriates Middle East after agreeing with Tucker Carlson’s claim that Israel has a biblical right to the whole region
Fortune
by Sam Mednick, Samy Magdy, The Associated PressFebruary 21, 2026
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Mike Huckabee has sparked widespread condemnation from Arab and Muslim nations after agreeing with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson's assertion that Israel has a biblical right to much of the Middle East. During an interview, Carlson cited Bible verses claiming that Abraham's descendants are entitled to land stretching from the Nile River to the Euphrates, which includes modern-day Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and parts of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Huckabee responded by saying it would be "fine" if Israel took all the land, though he clarified that Israel does not seek territorial expansion.
The remarks immediately drew sharp backlash from neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan, as well as regional bodies such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States. They condemned the comments as extremist and inconsistent with U.S. policy, calling for clarification from the State Department. Saudi Arabia labeled the statements "extremist rhetoric" and "unacceptable," while Egypt described them as a "blatant violation" of international law.
Israel's territorial claims and historical conflicts have long been contentious. Since its establishment in 1948, Israel has engaged in wars, annexations, and peace agreements that have shifted its borders. This includes capturing the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Golan Heights during the 1967 Mideast War. While Israel later withdrew from the Sinai Peninsula as part of a peace deal with Egypt, it continues to deepen control over
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Originally published on Fortune on 2/21/2026