US Envoy Huckabee Backs Israel’s Gaza Policies & ‘Greater Israel’ Claim in Tucker Carlson Interview

The United States Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has sparked controversy after suggesting in a recent interview that Israeli expansion across the Middle East would be acceptable, citing biblical justifications. The remarks, made during an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, have drawn criticism and prompted a clarification from the ambassador.

The interview, conducted at Ben-Gurion Airport, began with Carlson questioning Huckabee about a previously reported private meeting with Jonathan Pollard, an American who served prison time in the US for spying for Israel. Huckabee confirmed the meeting took place within the embassy, stating it was not a secret due to the presence of security cameras and personnel.

The conversation then shifted to broader geopolitical issues, including the implications of US military involvement in Iraq and the nature of the US-Israel relationship. Huckabee asserted that Israel is “the closest ally” of the United States and defended the 2003 invasion of Iraq as part of a “fight against terror.”

Carlson pressed Huckabee on the issue of Israel’s nuclear program, referencing allegations that it was developed with stolen US materials. Huckabee did not deny the existence of a program, stating instead that “Israel has the right to defend itself with a nuclear program, and we are in cooperation.”

The discussion took a particularly contentious turn when Carlson asked Huckabee about the possibility of Israel provoking a war with Iran. Huckabee dismissed the notion, characterizing Iran as a “real threat” with “nuclear ambitions” and a history of anti-American rhetoric, stating, “They’ve been saying ‘Death to America’ for 47 years.” He argued that any actions taken were intended as deterrence, not provocation.

However, it was Huckabee’s response to a question about the biblical basis for Israel’s territorial claims that generated the most significant backlash. Carlson pointed out that the biblical promise of land extended from the Nile to the Euphrates, encompassing modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and parts of Saudi Arabia. Huckabee responded, It would be fine if they took it all, because, God gave it to them. He later qualified this statement, acknowledging that such an expansion was not imminent but reiterating that, theologically and historically, Here’s the land God promised them. He added that, according to the Bible, yes, this is the promised land given to the Jewish people forever.

When challenged on whether the United States should support such an expansion, Huckabee invoked religious justification, stating, Because the Bible says so, and it’s a holy right.

The interview also touched upon the ongoing conflict in Gaza. When asked about the deaths of Palestinian children, Huckabee responded to Carlson’s question about 14-year-old Hamas militants, saying, If they’ve engaged in that, God help them. He further stated that, If Israel wanted to, they could kill all the children in Gaza in less than a day, but they’re not doing that. He suggested that any child involved in armed conflict forfeits their right to protection.

The exchange has prompted a swift reaction, with observers noting the potentially destabilizing implications of a US ambassador appearing to endorse expansive territorial claims by Israel. The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region and ongoing international efforts to mediate a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Following the initial reports, Huckabee appeared to walk back his more provocative statements, describing his comment about Israel taking “all” of the Middle East as somewhat of a hyperbolic statement. However, he maintained his belief in Israel’s historical and religious claim to the land, leaving the door open to future expansion based on his interpretation of scripture.

The interview took place shortly after Carlson himself arrived in Israel, claiming he was briefly detained and interrogated by Israeli security officials upon arrival – a claim denied by both Israeli authorities and Huckabee. The incident adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught relationship between Carlson, a prominent conservative voice in the United States, and the Israeli government.

The timing of the interview is also significant, coming after Huckabee criticized Carlson on X (formerly Twitter) for comments he made last year denying that Hamas is a terrorist group. Carlson responded by inviting Huckabee to an interview, which ultimately took place at Ben-Gurion Airport. This exchange highlights the growing divisions within the American right over issues related to Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.