Saudi Arabia slams US envoy’s ‘fine if Israel took all Middle East’ comment

RIYADH – 21 February 2026: Saudi Arabia on Friday strongly condemned comments of the United States Ambassador to Israel, in which he reportedly suggested that Israel controlling the entire Middle East would be “fine.”

In a statement by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kingdom described the remarks as “irresponsible” and a violation of international law, the United Nations Charter, and diplomatic norms.

Saudi Arabia called the Huckabee’s comments set “a dangerous precedent for coming from a US official” and show “disregard for the distinguished relationships of the region’s countries with the United States.”

‘Antagonizing Regional States’

Saudi Arabia warned that such extremist positions “carry severe consequences, threatening regional and global security by antagonizing countries and peoples in the region and undermining the principles of the international system.”

These principles, the Kingdom said, have been established to “put an end to the bloody wars that have claimed millions of lives in the past.”

The ministry said the US Department of State must clarify its position on this approach, which is “rejected by all peace-loving countries around the world.”

The statement reiterated the kingdom’s firm stance on respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.

It emphasized that the only viable path to a just and lasting peace in the region is ending the occupation through a two-state solution, establishing a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

'Fine If They Took It all'

Mike Huckabee, the United States Ambassador to Israel, sparked controversy after suggesting in a recent interview that Israel could lay claim to a vast swath of the Middle East based on biblical grounds.

Speaking to commentator Tucker Carlson, Huckabee discussed a biblical passage describing land promised to Abraham’s descendants, a territory that Carlson noted would correspond in modern geography to much of the region.

Huckabee indicated the area would be extensive and, when asked whether Israel would have the right to such territory, replied: “It would be fine if they took it all.”