Guardian: The American ambassador in Israel considers its control over the region acceptable
The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, sparked controversy by suggesting that it would be acceptable for Israel to seize control over the entire Middle East, referencing biblical interpretations.
In a controversial interview with U.S. media personality Tucker Carlson, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, expressed that it might be acceptable for Israel to claim the entirety of the Middle East. His comments have raised eyebrows, particularly in light of his invocation of biblical texts that some interpret as a divine promise to the land. Huckabee aligned his stance with a narrative embraced by segments of the Christian nationalist movement in the U.S., suggesting a belief that Israel's claim to the land is sanctioned by God.
During the discussion, Carlson quoted a passage from the Old Testament that speaks of God's covenant with Abraham regarding a vast geographical expanse from the Nile River to the Euphrates, a region that encompasses significant portions of present-day Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. While Huckabee expressed some doubt about the precise geographical boundaries referenced, he nonetheless acknowledged that it pertains to "a large area of land". His comments underline the complex interplay between religious beliefs and political opinions regarding Israel's territorial claims.
Huckabee's assertion that Israel has a divinely granted right to the land raises significant implications for U.S. foreign policy in the region, particularly as debates continue over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and territorial disputes. This perspective might resonate with certain groups within the U.S., but it is likely to provoke criticism and concern among various international communities regarding its potential impact on peace prospects in the Middle East.