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Jerusalem – US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has ignited a firestorm of criticism across the Middle East after suggesting that Israel could legitimately expand its territory to encompass a vast area of the region. The remarks, made during a recent interview, have been denounced as “extremist” and “provocative” by several Arab and Muslim nations, raising concerns about escalating tensions and the future of peace negotiations.

Huckabee’s comments centered on a biblical interpretation of land promised to the descendants of Abraham, spanning from the Euphrates River in Iraq to the Nile River in Egypt. When pressed by interviewer Tucker Carlson on whether the modern state of Israel had a right to claim this lineage, Huckabee responded, “It would be fine if they took it all.” This assertion, reported by CNN, immediately drew condemnation from regional powers.

Immediate Condemnation from Regional Leaders

The backlash was swift and widespread. Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia were among the first to issue strong statements denouncing Huckabee’s remarks, as reported by Al Jazeera. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States too joined the chorus of disapproval, labeling the comments “not in line with Washington’s official position.” The statements characterized Huckabee’s views as “extremist rhetoric” and a dangerous escalation of pro-Israel sentiment.

Although initially appearing to endorse a significant expansion of Israeli territory – potentially including modern-day Lebanon, Syria, and parts of Saudi Arabia – Huckabee later attempted to clarify his position. He stated that his initial response was “somewhat of a hyperbolic statement” and emphasized that Israel was not actively seeking to expand its borders, according to Axios. He reiterated Israel’s right to security within its current boundaries.

The Context of the Interview and Previous Statements

The controversial statements were made during an interview with US commentator Tucker Carlson, a known supporter of conservative viewpoints. Carlson specifically questioned Huckabee about the biblical basis for Israel’s territorial claims. Huckabee, described as a “self-professed Christian Zionist” by Al Jazeera, has consistently voiced strong support for Israel. Prior to his appointment as ambassador in November 2024, Huckabee indicated support for Israel’s annexation of the occupied West Bank, as noted by CNN.

The timing of these remarks is particularly sensitive, occurring amidst ongoing regional instability and stalled peace negotiations. The comments have raised fears that the US administration may be shifting its policy towards greater support for Israeli expansionist policies. Politico reports that Arab and Muslim nations are closely monitoring the situation, seeking clarification from the US State Department regarding the ambassador’s views and whether they reflect official US policy.

Impact and Potential Ramifications

The fallout from Huckabee’s comments extends beyond diplomatic protests. Analysts suggest the remarks could fuel further radicalization and violence in the region, undermining efforts to achieve a lasting peace. The potential for increased instability is particularly acute in countries bordering Israel, such as Lebanon and Syria, which are already grappling with internal conflicts and economic challenges. The situation also complicates the Biden administration’s efforts to broker a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The US State Department has yet to issue a formal response directly addressing Huckabee’s comments, but officials have reportedly been engaged in damage control efforts, attempting to reassure regional allies that the ambassador’s views do not represent official US policy. Though, the lack of a clear and unequivocal condemnation has further fueled criticism and distrust.

Looking ahead, the coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of this diplomatic incident. The response from the US administration, and whether it will reaffirm its commitment to a two-state solution, will be closely watched by all parties involved. The situation underscores the delicate balance of power in the Middle East and the potential for seemingly offhand remarks to have far-reaching consequences.

What are your thoughts on the US Ambassador’s comments? Share your perspective in the comments below.

Tallinn, Estonia – Belarusian opposition politician Mikola Statkevich, 69, was released from a high-security penal colony on February 19, 2026, after suffering a stroke while imprisoned, his wife, Marina Adamovich, confirmed to the Associated Press.

The release of Statkevich, a prominent critic of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and a former presidential candidate, comes after years of imprisonment stemming from his arrest on May 31, 2020. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison on charges of “organizing mass unrest,” a case Amnesty International has described as politically motivated.

While expressing relief at Statkevich’s release, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director, condemned the conditions of his detention. “Our relief at Mikalai Statkevich’s release is tempered by our indignation at the profound injustice and personal injury he has suffered during years behind bars serving an unfounded prison sentence, much of it in prolonged isolation,” Struthers stated. “Releasing a prisoner of conscience after he has suffered a stroke is not justice, it is the sign of its profound absence.”

Statkevich’s case has been marked by political maneuvering. In September 2025, he was briefly released as part of a U.S.-brokered deal involving 52 political prisoners. Though, Statkevich refused to be forcibly exiled from Belarus, remaining in the no-man’s land between the Belarusian and Lithuanian borders before being re-arrested and returned to prison, according to the Associated Press.

During his most recent imprisonment, Statkevich reportedly contracted COVID-19 multiple times and endured prolonged periods of isolation. He suffered a stroke on January 21, 2026, leading to his hospitalization and subsequent release. Adamovich reported that her husband is currently recovering and experiencing difficulty speaking.

Amnesty International is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Belarus, including Nasta Loika, Marfa Rabkova, Valiantsin Stefanovich, and Vital Chopik. Struthers emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “The Belarusian authorities have committed egregious violations. They must fully comply with their international human rights obligations, and those responsible for violating them must be held to account.”

As of February 20, 2026, the Belarusian Human Rights Centre Viasna reports that 1,144 individuals are currently considered political prisoners in Belarus, though the organization acknowledges its list may not be exhaustive due to restrictions imposed by the Belarusian authorities on the availability of information.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ordered Statkevich’s release due to his medical condition following a request from his family, according to his spokeswoman Natalia Eismont.