Mike Huckabee has stirred debate after remarks made during a televised interview in which he said it “would be fine” if Israel took control of territory described in a biblical passage as stretching from the Nile to the Euphrates.
Huckabee made the comments on The Tucker Carlson Show, hosted by Tucker Carlson. The discussion focused on religious scripture, Israel’s borders and the intersection of theology with modern geopolitics.
During the interview, Carlson referenced a passage from the Book of Genesis describing land promised to Abraham and his descendants. He noted that the territory outlined in the text extends far beyond the present-day borders of Israel and would include much of the contemporary Middle East.
When asked whether Israel had a right to such land based on the biblical description, Huckabee responded that “it would be fine if they took it all.” However, he later clarified that his comment was hyperbolic and made in a theological context rather than as a policy proposal.
Huckabee stressed that Israel is not seeking territorial expansion and is focused on security and survival. He said his remarks should not be interpreted as advocating redrawing modern borders or altering international boundaries.
Clips from the interview circulated widely on social media, drawing mixed reactions. Critics argued that religious texts cannot serve as a basis for international law, while supporters viewed the remarks as an expression of faith-based solidarity with Israel.
An ordained Baptist minister and former governor of Arkansas, Huckabee has long framed his support for Israel in religious as well as political terms. He was appointed ambassador to Israel by Donald Trump and confirmed in 2025.
