Arab Nations Condemn US Envoy's 'Biblical' Claim for Israeli Land Rights

Fourteen Arab and Islamic nations, alongside major regional organizations, have issued a joint statement condemning remarks made by the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee. The envoy had suggested that Israel holds a "biblical" right to vast territories across the Middle East.

The signatories include the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. They were joined by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Arab League, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The statement expresses "strong condemnation and deep concern regarding the statements of the US Ambassador to Israel," in which he indicated it was acceptable for Israel to control territories belonging to Arab states. This includes the occupied West Bank.

The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the countries affirm their "categorical rejection of such dangerous and inflammatory statements." They described the remarks as a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter and a serious threat to regional security and stability.

The document further argues that Ambassador Huckabee's comments directly contradict both President Donald Trump's vision for peace and a comprehensive plan to end conflict in Gaza. These initiatives are based on de-escalation and creating a political framework for a settlement guaranteeing an independent Palestinian state.

"The [Trump] plan is based on promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence," reads part of the statement. "Statements aimed at legitimizing control over other countries' lands undermine these goals, fuel tension, and constitute incitement rather than promoting peace."

The foreign ministers reaffirmed that Israel possesses no sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territory or other occupied Arab lands. They rejected any attempts at annexing the West Bank or separating it from Gaza and pledged firm opposition to any expansion of Israeli settlement activity.