US ambassador to Israel claims the country has a right to much of the Middle East
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated in an interview that Israel has a biblical right to much of the Middle East, saying "it would be fine if they took it all," though he acknowledged Israel is not seeking territorial expansion.
- Huckabee's comments drew sharp condemnation from Arab and Muslim nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the League of Arab States, who labeled the remarks extremist, provocative, and inconsistent with U.S. policy.
- Saudi Arabia demanded clarification from the U.S. State Department, while Egypt called the statements a violation of international law, emphasizing that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Palestinian or other Arab lands.
- Israel's borders have been historically disputed and altered through wars
