DaysofPal — U.S. Ambassador to the Israeli occupation Mike Huckabee has drawn sharp criticism after stating that the Israeli occupation has a “biblical right” to territory extending from the Nile to the Euphrates rivers during an interview with commentator Tucker Carlson.
In the exchange, Carlson referenced a passage from the Book of Genesis describing a divine promise to Abraham and his descendants of land between the two rivers, asking whether this could be seen as granting the Israeli occupation a religious claim over a broad region that includes historic Palestine and parts of neighboring Arab states.
Huckabee responded that he would not oppose such a scenario, though he added that sweeping territorial expansion is not currently under discussion.
The remarks reignited controversy surrounding the “Nile to Euphrates” concept, an interpretation linked to some religious Zionist and evangelical views of biblical scripture.
The idea remains highly contentious and is rejected by most governments and international institutions.
Huckabee, a former governor of Arkansas and a prominent evangelical supporter of the Israeli occupation, also faced criticism for comments praising the Israeli forces as more humane than U.S. forces.
Addressing the war in Gaza, he responded to allegations about the deaths of teenagers said to be connected to Hamas by stating that those involved would face consequences, while asking how Americans would react if their own children were held hostage.
Carlson, meanwhile, said he does not condone the killing of children under any circumstances, emphasizing that he would not justify such actions.
Analysts say the controversy cannot be separated from broader political developments, including ongoing settlement expansion and fading prospects for a negotiated two-state solution.
Since assuming his diplomatic post, Huckabee has been accused by critics of closely mirroring Israeli government positions, including his use of the biblical term “Judea and Samaria” for the occupied West Bank, language widely rejected internationally, which views the territory as occupied since 1967.
Later in the interview, Huckabee appeared to temper his earlier remarks, saying the Israeli occupation does not seek control over all lands mentioned in religious texts but intends to maintain areas it currently holds and considers legitimate, describing the country as a secure refuge.
Critics said the clarification did little to ease concerns, arguing that invoking religious justifications for territorial claims risks escalating tensions and complicating diplomatic efforts toward a political settlement.
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