Regional governments denounce remarks while Israel reiterates sovereignty and security priorities.
Several Arab governments issued sharp condemnations Saturday after U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee reiterated Israel’s historical and biblical connection to the land, including Judea and Samaria.
In a podcast interview with Tucker Carlson, Huckabee referenced biblical descriptions of territory stretching from the Nile to the Euphrates and remarked, “It would be fine if they took it all.” He later clarified that Israel is not seeking regional conquest but has the right to live securely within its current sovereign territory.
The remarks triggered swift diplomatic responses across the region.
Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Oman Respond
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry labeled the comments “absurd and provocative,” arguing they violated diplomatic norms and international law. Officials in Amman stated the remarks contradicted the publicly declared position of U.S. President Donald Trump rejecting annexation of the West Bank.
Egypt described the statements as a “flagrant departure” from the principles of the UN Charter, reiterating its opposition to any expansion of Israeli sovereignty over territories captured in 1967.
Saudi Arabia condemned what it called “reckless remarks,” warning they undermine regional stability and international norms. Riyadh called on Washington to clarify its official stance.
Oman also rejected the comments, emphasizing support for a two-state framework based on pre-1967 lines with eastern Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
Biblical Narrative vs. Modern Diplomacy
Huckabee’s comments revived longstanding debates over the interpretation of biblical passages referencing land between the Nile and Euphrates. Scholars differ on whether the “river of Egypt” refers to the Nile or to a smaller watercourse in Sinai.
While critics framed the remarks as inflammatory, supporters argue that acknowledging Jewish historical ties to Judea and Samaria does not automatically translate into territorial expansion.
Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and Sinai Peninsula in 1967. It later returned Sinai to Egypt under the Camp David Accords and withdrew from Gaza in 2005. Security concerns, including ongoing hostilities from militant groups, remain central to Israeli policy decisions.
Regional Stability at a Crossroads
The diplomatic backlash reflects broader sensitivities surrounding sovereignty, borders, and long-standing peace frameworks. Arab states continue advocating for a two-state solution, while Israel prioritizes security and recognition of its historical claims.
As tensions remain high following recent regional conflicts, rhetoric from senior officials — whether symbolic or hyperbolic — can quickly reverberate across capitals.
The episode underscores how deeply intertwined faith, history, and geopolitics remain in shaping the Middle East’s evolving landscape.
