US ambassador to Israel sparks controversy after saying it would be “fine” if Israel controlled much of the Middle East

Remarks by the U.S. ambassador to Israel are drawing global attention after he suggested it would be “fine” if Israel controlled large parts of the Middle East.

During an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, Ambassador Mike Huckabee was asked about biblical interpretations suggesting land across parts of Egypt, Syria, and Iraq had been promised to the Jewish people. When pressed about whether Israel would have a right to that territory, Huckabee replied that it “would be fine if they took it all,” before adding that such a scenario is not currently under discussion.

He emphasized that Israel is not attempting to take over neighboring countries such as Jordan, Syria, or Iraq, but instead wants to protect its people and maintain control of land it currently occupies and considers a safe haven.

The remarks come amid ongoing debate about Israel’s territorial policies. Huckabee has previously expressed support for Israel’s annexation of the occupied West Bank, though President Donald Trump has said he would not allow annexation of that territory.

Palestinian officials quickly criticized the ambassador’s comments. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said the remarks contradict religious and historical facts, violate international law, and conflict with the president’s stated position opposing West Bank annexation.

Foreign policy analysts say even suggesting Israeli sovereignty across broad portions of the Middle East would represent a major departure from longstanding U.S. policy. The State Department has not publicly responded to the ambassador’s remarks.

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