Multiple Arab and Muslim nations have issued a joint condemnation of comments made by the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, suggesting Israel could have a biblical right to territory extending far beyond its current borders. The rebuke followed an interview with conservative American commentator Tucker Carlson, in which Huckabee discussed interpretations of Old Testament scripture regarding land promised to Abraham’s descendants.
During the interview, Carlson referenced Genesis chapter 15, verse 18, outlining a land area “from the Euphrates to the Nile,” encompassing modern-day Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and portions of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. He asked Huckabee whether Israel had a legitimate claim to this territory. Huckabee responded, “It would be fine if they took it all,” before clarifying that Israel was not actively seeking such expansion, according to reports from The Guardian and The Times of Israel.
A joint statement released Sunday, and reported by CBS News, from the foreign ministries of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, labeled Huckabee’s remarks “dangerous and inflammatory.” The statement affirmed that Israel holds no sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territories or other Arab lands, and warned that continued expansionist policies would exacerbate regional conflict and undermine peace prospects.
The U.S. Embassy issued a statement Sunday asserting that Huckabee’s comments were taken out of context and that U.S. Policy regarding Israel remained unchanged, as reported by CBS News. However, the damage appeared to be done, prompting a strong reaction from regional powers.
The controversy unfolded as Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Sydney, although his government simultaneously took actions in the West Bank aimed at hindering the establishment of a Palestinian state, according to The Times of Israel. These actions included measures to further solidify Israeli control over the occupied territory.
Adding to the complexity, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right politician who advocates for the annexation of Palestinian territory, publicly expressed support for Huckabee on social media, posting a message with Israeli and U.S. Flag emojis, as reported by The Times of Israel.
Carlson, who conducted the interview, has been a vocal critic of Israel in recent broadcasts, reportedly describing it as “probably the most violent country on Earth” in the same episode featuring the Huckabee interview. He also alleged hostile treatment of his staff by Israeli authorities at Ben Gurion Airport, claims that were denied by the airport authority, according to JTA.
The interview and subsequent backlash occurred against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, with the Arab world increasingly viewing Israel as a significant threat. A recent survey of over 40,000 people across the Arab world, released by the Arab Center Washington DC, found that 28% identified Israel as the greatest security threat to the region, while 10% cited the United States. Iran was named by 8% of respondents, according to the survey.
As of Sunday, February 22, 2026, the U.S. State Department had not issued a further statement beyond the initial clarification from the U.S. Embassy in Israel. No further meetings or discussions between U.S. And Arab officials regarding the matter have been publicly scheduled.
