US Ambassador Mike Huckabee suggested Israel could expand across the Middle East, citing biblical claims, while later describing his comments as “somewhat of a hyperbolic statement.”
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said in an interview with Tucker Carlson that “It would be fine if they took it all” when asked about Israel expanding from the Nile to the Euphrates. Huckabee, a Christian Zionist, based his view on biblical interpretations, adding, “They don’t want to take it over. They’re not asking to take it over.” His comments prompted international concern over US support for territorial expansion.
Huckabee later softened his stance, calling it “somewhat of a hyperbolic statement,” but suggested Israel could expand if it succeeded militarily. He defended Israel’s actions under international law while criticizing institutions like the ICC and ICJ as “rogue organisations.” Huckabee also defended meeting convicted spy Jonathan Pollard, stating, “I did, and frankly, I don’t regret it,” amid criticism of his ambassadorship.
The remarks reignite debates over Israel’s borders, its occupation of Palestinian and Syrian territories, and the US role in Middle East diplomacy, particularly in light of the ICJ ruling declaring Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories illegal. Observers warn that such statements could inflame tensions and undermine international legal norms regarding the acquisition of land by force.