Mike Huckabee, the US Ambassador to Israel, has provoked significant backlash from Arab and Muslim nations following his controversial remarks in an interview. When asked by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson whether Israel has a biblical right to claim large parts of the Middle East, Huckabee controversially responded that it would be acceptable for Israel to take everything. This assertion drew immediate condemnation due to its implications regarding Israel's territorial claims and the sensitivity surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Huckabee later attempted to clarify his statements by asserting that his comments were irrelevant, emphasizing that Israel does not have such intentions and that it has the right to live in the land it currently occupies. Nevertheless, this clarification did not quell the outrage; a joint statement from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with several other Arab and Muslim nations and regional organizations, condemned Huckabee's remarks as incendiary and unacceptable. They view such statements as a significant challenge to ongoing peace efforts in the region.

The reaction from Arab and Muslim states underscores the delicate diplomatic balance in the Middle East and highlights the sensitivity surrounding discussions about Israel's territorial rights. Huckabee's comments could lead to increased tensions and further complicate relations between the United States, Israel, and Arab countries, especially as various nations call for renewed efforts toward a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The diplomatic repercussions of these statements could reverberate across the region, impacting future dialogues and negotiations on peace and coexistence.