US envoy Huckabee tries to deny saying he would support Israel expansionism

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffFebruary 22, 2026 at 05:23 PM

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In February 2026, US Ambassador Mike Huckabee faced criticism after stating in an interview that he "would be fine" if Israel expanded its territory to encompass the land between the Euphrates and Nile rivers, based on his interpretation of the Bible. This area would include parts of several Middle Eastern countries. The comment, made to podcaster Tucker Carlson, drew condemnation from across the Arab world, including Saudi Arabia. Huckabee later claimed his remarks were selectively edited by Carlson, though the full interview was available on Carlson's website. Huckabee, appointed by President Trump, is a known Christian Zionist. A rights advocate warned that failing to dismiss Huckabee would signal endorsement of his views by the Trump administration.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Egypt 40% Iraq 40% Arab League 50% Saudi Arabia ×360% Donald Trump ×260% United States 70% Middle East ×270% Tucker Carlson ×680% Mike Huckabee ×790% Israel ×590%

Keywords

israel expansionism 90% mike huckabee 80% us envoy 70% tucker carlson 70% biblical interpretation 60% middle east 60% christian zionist 50% arab world 50% donald trump 40%