Chicago – February 23, 2026
Arab and Muslim nations have sharply condemned comments by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who suggested Israel could have a biblical right to large swathes of the Middle East.
In a joint statement, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey and several other states, along with the Arab League, Gulf Cooperation Council and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, described his remarks as “dangerous and inflammatory.”
The statement accused Huckabee of implying that Israel could justify control over Arab territories, including the occupied West Bank, and warned that such rhetoric violates international law and undermines efforts to end the Gaza war.
Governments reiterated that Israel has no sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory or other Arab lands, rejected any annexation of the West Bank, and called for adherence to US‑backed peace initiatives.
