Mike Huckabee, the US Ambassador to Israel, has ignited controversy after stating in an interview that Israel has a biblical right to claim large parts of the Middle East. This assertion was made during a conversation with right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson, where Huckabee went so far as to suggest it would be acceptable for Israel to take all of the territory it claims. The provocative nature of his comments has drawn immediate backlash from various Arab and Muslim countries, which have labeled his remarks as incendiary and disrespectful to the region and its history.

In reaction to Huckabee's statements, several Arab and Muslim states have expressed their anger, emphasizing that his claims are not only unfounded but also contribute to heightened tensions in an already fraught geopolitical landscape. The Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a strong rebuke through a social media platform, highlighting the widespread condemnation of Huckabee's comments. These nations view such declarations as undermining any potential for peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine, as they appear to dismiss the complex historical claims and rights associated with the land.

Huckabee later attempted to soften his remarks by suggesting that Israel does not have any intention of expanding its territory based on biblical interpretations, but the damage had been done. His comments underscore the sensitive nature of claims over land in the Middle East and the deep-seated tensions that exist. This incident serves as a reminder of the influential role that diplomatic statements can have on international relations, particularly in such a volatile region.