Middle East Tensions Rise: Arab States Reject US Claims On Israel’s Territory!

Olivia 02/22/2026 4 minutes read

US ambassador claims Israel has land rights in the Middle East, sparking unified condemnation from Arab nations amid rising tensions.

Arab states, emphasizing solidarity, quickly denounced the claims, calling for international respect for sovereignty and regional stability. The statement has prompted urgent discussions among political and diplomatic circles to address potential conflicts.

This controversy underscores the fragile balance in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Stay tuned Newsminers.net : Gather The Internationa observers note that such declarations can escalate diplomatic disputes, affecting trade, security cooperation, and broader regional alliances.

US Ambassador Sparks Outrage Over Israel’s Middle East Claims

The U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, ignited international backlash by asserting that Israel has rights over much of the Middle East based on biblical interpretation. His remarks were made during a podcast hosted by right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson on February 20, 2026.

Huckabee, who is a former Baptist minister, referenced a biblical passage commonly interpreted to define Israel’s territory stretching from the Nile River in Egypt to the Euphrates in Syria and Iraq. He stated, “It’s not an issue if they take it all,” sparking immediate controversy.

While Huckabee later clarified that Israel was not claiming the entire territory, his comments were deemed provocative and alarming by multiple nations, raising tensions across the region.

Arab and Muslim Nations Condemn The Statement

The strongest reactions emerged on February 22, 2026, when a coalition of Arab and Muslim countries issued a joint statement condemning Huckabee’s remarks. The alliance included the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Turkey.

International organizations also voiced concerns. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Arab League, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) signed the joint statement, highlighting that the ambassador’s remarks contravened the United Nations Charter.

The coalition warned that Huckabee’s claims could undermine efforts to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in Gaza and obstruct long-term political solutions for the region.

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Iran And Regional Reactions

Iran joined the condemnation through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accusing the United States of active involvement in Israel’s aggressive actions against Palestinians. The comments reflected broader regional apprehensions about U.S. diplomatic positions in the Middle East.

Prior to the collective statement, several countries had already expressed disapproval individually. Saudi Arabia labeled Huckabee’s remarks as careless and irresponsible, while Jordan described them as a direct attack on regional sovereignty.

Kuwait criticized the statement as a blatant violation of international law, and Oman suggested it threatened prospects for peace and stability in the area. Meanwhile, Egypt reiterated that Israel holds no sovereignty over Palestinian or other Arab territories.

Clarifications And Social Media Reactions

Following the controversy, Huckabee issued two posts on X (formerly Twitter) to clarify his position on unrelated topics discussed during the podcast. However, he did not address the biblical land claims directly, leaving the statement’s impact largely intact.

In Israel, Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana praised Huckabee’s generally pro-Israel stance and accused Carlson of misrepresentation and manipulation during the interview. The contrasting narratives highlight the divisive nature of media coverage on sensitive geopolitical matters.

Tucker Carlson himself has faced allegations of antisemitism, particularly after his uncritical interviews with nationalist figures who expressed extremist views, further complicating the public perception of the podcast.

Implications For Middle East Diplomacy

The fallout from Huckabee’s statement underscores the fragility of Middle Eastern diplomacy. Arab states emphasized the importance of respecting sovereignty, while international observers noted the risk of inflaming conflicts in an already volatile region.

Palestinian authorities also rejected the claims, noting the inconsistency with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on West Bank annexation. The controversy highlights the delicate balance of power and the role of U.S. diplomacy in regional stability.

Experts suggest that even statements made in media interviews can have far-reaching consequences. They may affect negotiations, regional alliances, and the broader international community’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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