US Ambassador’s Israel Comments Condemned by Arab and Muslim Nations
The remarks made by US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, have sparked outrage among Arab and Muslim nations, following his controversial assertion regarding Israel’s territorial claims based on Biblical grounds.
Key Points of Condemnation:
– Contentious Statement: In an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, Huckabee was questioned on whether Israel had the right to a territory that Carlson claimed, according to the Bible, covered essentially the entire Middle East. Huckabee suggested that it would be fine if it took it all, although he clarified that Israel is only seeking to maintain its current holdings for the safety of its people.
– Joint Critique from Arab Nations: A coalition of over a dozen governments—including Jordan, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates—issued a statement deeming Huckabee’s comments as dangerous and inflammatory. They expressed concern that such statements could hinder efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
– Biblical Interpretation Under Scrutiny: Carlson pressed Huckabee on his understanding of a Biblical verse that was interpreted to justify Israeli claims to land stretching from the River Nile to the Euphrates. While Huckabee mentioned this big piece of land, he emphasized that the current focus is on the land Israel occupies legitimately.
– International Law Violations: The joint statement condemned Huckabee’s insinuation that Israel could control Arab territories, including the occupied West Bank, which they argue violates international law. This stance directly opposes an earlier statement by US President Donald Trump aiming for a comprehensive settlement that acknowledges Palestinian autonomy.
– Rejection of Annexation: The Arab coalition firmly rejected any attempt to annex the West Bank, oppose the expansion of Israeli settlements, and reaffirmed their categoric refusal to compromise the sovereignty of Arab states. The signatories included the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, and the State of Palestine, alongside significant organizations like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League.
Background Context
Huckabee’s comments align with his longstanding support for Israeli annexation policies that contradict decades of US foreign policy. Following the 1967 Middle East war, Israel established around 160 settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, housing approximately 700,000 Jewish residents, areas which Palestinians view as integral for their future state.
Recent Developments
– Escalation of Violence: The expansion of Israeli settlements has increased significantly since late 2022, coinciding with the escalation of the Gaza conflict triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault on Israel. Reports from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry indicate that more than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing military offensive.
– International Court of Justice Stance: In 2024, the International Court of Justice declared these settlements illegal under international law. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the ruling, asserting the Jewish people’s right to their land.
In summary, Huckabee’s statements have not only provoked a strong backlash from Arab and Muslim nations but also pose significant challenges to diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a resolution in the Israel-Palestine conflict.