Why Are Arab Countries Condemning US Ambassador's Comments on Israel's Claims?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Cairo, Feb 22 (NationPress) The Arab League, alongside Egypt and Saudi Arabia, has expressed strong condemnation regarding comments made by the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, asserting that Israel possesses the right to assert control over the entire Middle East.
The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, criticized Huckabee's statements as illogical and irrational, labeling them as inconsistent with the core principles and established norms of diplomacy.
These comments, he noted, only serve to escalate tensions and provoke religious and national sentiments at a time when nations are seeking to implement the Gaza ceasefire and embark on a serious political process towards peace.
Furthermore, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry articulated its astonishment at Huckabee's remarks, characterizing them as a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The ministry reiterated Egypt's longstanding position that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories or any other Arab lands, firmly rejecting any attempts to annex the West Bank or separate it from the Gaza Strip.
In addition, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud denounced Huckabee's comments as setting a dangerous precedent, reflecting a lack of regard for the relations between the nations in the region and the United States.
He warned that such extremist rhetoric could have serious consequences, posing a threat to international peace and security by antagonizing regional nations and undermining the foundations of the international order.
In a controversial interview with podcaster Tucker Carlson, Huckabee claimed that Israel has a 'biblical right' to control the majority of the Middle East, stating, 'It would be fine if they took it all.'