Huckabee Faces Criticism Over Israel Border Security Proposal

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has sparked controversy after making comments suggesting that Israel has the right to expand its territory across a significant portion of the Middle East.

During an interview with US commentator Tucker Carlson, Huckabee was asked about the geographical boundaries of Israel and the Biblical promise of the land to the descendants of Abraham. In response, he stated that it would be acceptable for Israel to claim this lineage, encompassing modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and parts of Saudi Arabia.

Huckabee later clarified his remarks, describing them as “somewhat hyperbolic.” He also emphasized that Israel is not seeking to expand its territory and has the right to security in the land it currently holds.

The comments have been met with criticism from neighboring countries, including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States have also condemned the remarks as “extremist,” “provocative,” and not in line with Washington’s official position.

Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described Huckabee’s comments as a “blatant violation” of international law, stating that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territory or other Arab lands. Jordan’s foreign ministry has dismissed the remarks as “absurd and provocative,” violating diplomatic norms and infringing on the sovereignty of states in the region.

The International Court of Justice had previously ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory is illegal and must cease immediately, but the country’s borders are not clearly defined. Israel also occupies the Golan Heights in Syria, which it annexed in 1981, a move recognized only by the US since 2019.

Source: Al Jazeera