The recent controversial statement by Mike Huckabee, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, has sparked a political storm across the Middle East and Muslim nations. Huckabee claimed that according to the Bible, Israel has a legitimate claim to a large part of the modern Middle East. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the Arab League have strongly condemned this assertion.
The comment was made during an interview with American conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, who asked about Israel's biblical rights over the extensive lands of the current Middle East. Huckabee responded by saying, 'Even if they (Israel) take everything, it would be okay.' He further clarified that Israel is not currently seeking expansion and has the right to defend its legitimate borders.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League have expressed strong objections to Huckabee's remarks. Saudi Arabia labeled it as extremely radical and unacceptable, while Egypt considered it a blatant violation of international laws. The Arab League mentioned that such statements incite religious and national sentiments in the region.
As of now, there has been no official response from either Israel or the United States on the matter.
It is noteworthy that since its establishment in 1948, Israel's borders have seen changes due to various wars and agreements. In the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Golan Heights. Later, they withdrew from Sinai as part of a peace agreement with Egypt and unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005.
Currently, amidst the ongoing backdrop of conflict and ceasefires with Hamas in Gaza, Israel maintains control over much of the territory. There's also rising international concern regarding settlement expansion in the West Bank.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has previously stated that he would not permit the annexation of the West Bank. Palestinians have for decades sought an independent state encompassing the West Bank and Gaza with East Jerusalem as its capital, a vision supported by much of the international community.
