Mike Huckabee, the United States ambassador to Israel, has drawn attention after suggesting he would not oppose the idea of Israel expanding across a broader portion of the Middle East, referencing what he described as the Jewish people’s historical and religious connection to the land.
The comments were made during an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson that aired on Friday, where the discussion focused on Israel’s geographic borders and their interpretation through biblical texts. During the exchange, Carlson referred to scriptural passages that some interpret as describing land promised to the descendants of Abraham, stretching from the Euphrates River in present-day Iraq to the Nile River in Egypt.
Such an interpretation would cover large parts of the modern Middle East, including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and sections of Saudi Arabia.
When asked directly about the prospect of Israel controlling such a vast territory, Huckabee responded that it “would be fine if they took it all,” a statement that appeared to surprise Carlson and quickly generated controversy.
Clarification and Partial Retraction
Following the initial remark, Huckabee appeared to soften his position, stating that Israel is not actively seeking to take over the region. He later characterised his earlier statement as “somewhat of a hyperbolic” comment rather than a literal policy endorsement.
However, the ambassador left open the possibility of territorial changes under certain circumstances, suggesting that if Israel were attacked by multiple regional actors, won a war, and subsequently gained territory, it would become “a whole other discussion.” His remarks reflect a broader religious interpretation of Israel’s historical claims, consistent with his long-standing identification as a Christian Zionist and a vocal supporter of Israel.
The US State Department did not provide an official response when asked whether Secretary of State Marco Rubio shares Huckabee’s views on the issue of territorial expansion.
International Law and Territorial Concerns
Huckabee’s statements have also reignited discussions around international law, particularly the long-standing principle of territorial integrity and the prohibition of acquiring land through force, which has been a central legal norm since the end of World War II.
In 2024, the International Court of Justice ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal and should end immediately. Meanwhile, Israel’s borders remain a subject of ongoing dispute, as Israeli law does not formally define final national boundaries.
Israel currently occupies the Golan Heights, a Syrian territory annexed in 1981, a move widely regarded as illegal under international law. The United States remains the only country that recognises Israel’s sovereignty over the area. Following the 2024 conflict with Hezbollah, Israel also established military positions at several points inside southern Lebanon, further fuelling regional tensions.
Political Context and Regional Narratives
Debates over territorial expansion have also appeared within Israeli political discourse. Some officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have referenced concepts linked to a “Greater Israel,” involving expanded borders. In 2023, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sparked international backlash after presenting a map that incorporated Palestinian territories and parts of neighbouring countries into Israel.
During the interview, Huckabee attempted to frame Israel’s right to exist as grounded in international law, while simultaneously criticising global legal bodies such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which have issued rulings and positions critical of Israeli policies.
He argued that these institutions no longer apply international law equally, expressing support for efforts by the Trump administration and Secretary Rubio to challenge their influence.
Criticism Over Diplomacy and Controversial Meetings
Beyond his policy remarks, Huckabee has faced criticism during his tenure for his handling of cases involving US citizens affected by Israeli military actions. Critics argue that he has not spoken strongly enough on behalf of American nationals who were killed or detained.
The ambassador also drew scrutiny last year after meeting Jonathan Pollard, a former US Navy intelligence analyst convicted of spying for Israel. Pollard served 30 years in prison before relocating to Israel in 2020 and has remained a controversial figure due to his lack of public remorse and later calls encouraging espionage on behalf of Israel.
Huckabee defended the meeting, stating that it took place at Pollard’s request and within the formal framework of an embassy appointment. He denied hosting Pollard in a personal capacity and maintained that engaging with various individuals is part of his diplomatic role.
“He was able to come to the US embassy to have a meeting at his request,” Huckabee said, adding that he does not regret the encounter and regularly meets a wide range of figures during his time in office.