Amman, Jordan – The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned on Saturday the statements made by the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, in which he claimed Israel’s religious right to control vast areas of the Middle East, describing them as a blatant violation of diplomatic norms.
Statements that spark outrage: “From the Nile to the Euphrates”
The outrage followed an interview conducted by American journalist Tucker Carlson with Ambassador Huckabee in Tel Aviv. In the interview, the concept of “Greater Israel,” based on biblical interpretations (Genesis 15), was discussed.
When asked whether Israel had a right to territories encompassing Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and parts of Saudi Arabia and Iraq, Huckabee endorsed the idea, saying, “It would be nice if they (Israel) took everything.” He also indicated that Israeli control over the entire Middle East was “not bad.”
The official Jordanian position: “Absurdity and sedition”
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry, in a statement, described these remarks as absurd and provocative. It also considered them a blatant violation of international norms and laws.
The ministry warned that such claims threaten the stability of an already volatile region. It emphasized that Huckabee’s statements contradict the official position of US President Donald Trump, who has previously expressed his rejection of plans to annex the occupied West Bank.
Diplomatic repercussions
Huckabee’s remarks, given his well-known right-wing views, are causing considerable concern among Washington’s allies in the region. Jordan, which has a peace treaty with Israel and is the custodian of the holy sites in Jerusalem, is particularly worried.
Observers believe these statements undermine US diplomatic efforts to build regional alliances. They also exacerbate public and official resentment against policies emanating from some members of the Trump administration.
