Egypt Denounces Ambassador's Statements
Egypt has issued a strong condemnation of statements made by United States Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, describing them as a 'blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter.' The condemnation, articulated by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, came on February 21, 2026, following an interview in which Ambassador Huckabee discussed Israel's potential territorial claims based on religious narratives.
Ambassador Huckabee's Controversial Interview
The controversial remarks were made during an interview with American media personality Tucker Carlson, which aired on Friday, February 20, 2026. During the discussion, Carlson presented a map illustrating a 'Greater Israel' concept, suggesting that biblical passages describing land promised to Abraham's descendants would encompass a significant portion of the modern Middle East, including parts of Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. When asked if Israel had a right to control this entire area, Ambassador Huckabee reportedly responded, 'It would be fine if they took it all.' He also clarified that Israel was not actively seeking to expand its territory but maintained its right to security within its legitimately held land.
Cairo's Official Rejection and International Law
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs unequivocally rejected Ambassador Huckabee's comments, stating they represent a 'departure from established international principles' and contradict the fundamental tenets of international law and the United Nations Charter. The ministry reiterated Egypt's steadfast position that 'Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories or any other Arab lands.' Cairo further emphasized its categorical rejection of any attempts to justify territorial claims through religious narratives, annex the West Bank, separate it from the Gaza Strip, or expand Israeli settlement activities. The Egyptian statement also highlighted that Huckabee's remarks contradict the stated policy of US President Donald Trump, who had previously rejected the annexation of the occupied West Bank.
Widespread Regional Condemnation
Egypt's condemnation was echoed by several other Arab nations and regional organizations. The League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, and Oman all voiced their strong disapproval of Ambassador Huckabee's statements. These collective responses underscore the significant regional backlash generated by the ambassador's comments regarding the sensitive issue of territorial sovereignty in the Middle East.
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