-Friday World – 21 February 2026
The remarks came during an interview on Saturday with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson on the Tucker Carlson Network. Huckabee, a former Republican governor and now US ambassador, repeatedly referenced the Book of Genesis (Genesis 15:18) from the Old Testament. In this passage, God promises Abraham that his descendants will inherit the land "from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates" – a vast territory that today includes parts of modern-day Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and even portions of Saudi Arabia.
When Carlson directly asked: "Does this mean Israel has the right to control the entire Middle East?" Huckabee replied, **"If they take it all, that's fine too."** He further emphasized that this land was "given by God to the Jewish people through Abraham" and that Israel has a divine right to "security and stability." However, he added that Israel is not currently seeking such territorial expansion.
Fierce Backlash from the Islamic World
- Jordan immediately condemned the statement as "irresponsible, inflammatory, and absurd." Jordan's Foreign Ministry warned that such remarks endanger regional stability and violate international law.
- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) issued a strong condemnation, declaring the statement "unacceptable under any circumstances." The OIC labeled it evidence of "extremist thinking" and demanded clarification from the United States regarding the ambassador's comments.
- The Arab League and Egypt also denounced it as a "flagrant violation of international law." Egypt's Foreign Ministry cautioned that such rhetoric could further destabilize the region.
- The Palestinian Authority and various Muslim organizations described the remarks as encouragement for "Israeli expansionism" and raised serious questions about current US foreign policy.
Who is Mike Huckabee and Why the Controversy?
Mike Huckabee is an evangelical Christian and a staunch Christian Zionist. He has long been one of Israel's most vocal supporters in American politics. Appointed ambassador under the Trump administration, his statements have frequently stirred controversy due to his strong religious interpretation of Israel's role in the region.
The timing of this interview is particularly sensitive. The Middle East is already on edge with ongoing crises in Gaza, escalating US-Iran tensions, military movements in the Strait of Hormuz, and fragile ceasefire efforts. Huckabee's words have been widely interpreted as endorsing the concept of a "Greater Israel" – a notion that has long been a flashpoint in Arab-Israeli relations.
In a later clarification, Huckabee described his comment as "hyperbolic" and stressed that Israel is not pursuing territorial expansion. However, the original statement has already gone viral, fueling widespread anger and debate.
Global Implications and Rising Questions** This outburst has raised fresh concerns about American foreign policy direction. Is the United States now implicitly endorsing expansive biblical interpretations of Israel's borders? Could such rhetoric undermine peace efforts and inflame already volatile tensions?
The strong reaction from Islamic nations underscores how deeply sensitive religious interpretations of land and sovereignty remain in the region – where scripture and modern geopolitics collide dangerously.
The episode has further complicated Middle East diplomacy. While hopes remain for de-escalation through dialogue, statements like this heighten the risk of confrontation. The world now watches closely for any official response from the US administration.
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday World – 21 February 2026
