OIC Condemns U.S. Envoy Huckabee’s Endorsement of Israeli Territorial Expansion
The OIC denounces U.S. ambassador Mike Huckabee’s remarks endorsing Israeli expansionism, warning they legitimize occupation and violate regional sovereignty
West Asia | PUREWILAYAH.COM - The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned remarks by the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, after he claimed that Israel holds a biblical right to control territory stretching from the Euphrates River to the Nile River.
In an official statement, the OIC described the remarks as “dangerous and irresponsible,” stating that they constitute a rejected call for the expansion of Israeli occupation and the seizure of additional Palestinian and Arab lands.
The organization stressed that such claims are grounded in fabricated and unacceptable historical narratives that violate international law and undermine the sovereignty of states in the region.
Warning Against Extremism and Forced Displacement
The OIC warned that Huckabee’s comments fuel extremism and encourage Israel to persist with settlement expansion and forced displacement policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.
It reiterated its firm rejection of any rhetoric that seeks to justify territorial expansion under religious or historical pretexts, emphasizing that such discourse directly threatens regional stability.
Arab States Issue Strong Condemnations
Huckabee’s remarks drew swift condemnation from Arab states. Saudi Arabia described the statements as “reckless” and “irresponsible,” while Jordan characterized them as “an assault on the sovereignty of the countries of the region.”
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that Israel holds no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory or any other Arab lands. The Palestinian Authority stated that Huckabee’s remarks contradict the declared position of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has publicly rejected Israeli annexation of the West Bank.
Biblical Narratives Used to Legitimize Occupation
The remarks were made during a televised interview in which Huckabee said he would have no objection to Israel exercising control over territory referenced in biblical scripture, framing such claims as divinely sanctioned and therefore legitimate.
During the exchange, U.S. commentator Tucker Carlson cited a passage describing land extending from Egypt’s wadi to the Euphrates River, noting that, when translated into modern geography, the description would encompass large parts of West Asia, including the Levant and areas of Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Responding to the observation, Huckabee said he was uncertain whether the territorial scope would extend that far, but added that it would nevertheless constitute “a substantial area,” signaling acceptance of wide territorial expansion. (PW)