Ambassador Huckabee's remarks imply a significant departure from U.S. support for a two-state solution, prompting questions about the current administration's stance on Palestinian statehood and regional diplomacy efforts.
U.S. Ambassador Proposes Controversial Shift in Palestinian Statehood Approach
U.S. Ambassador Proposes Controversial Shift in Palestinian Statehood Approach
In a recent interview, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee suggests Muslim nations should establish a Palestinian state, diverging from long-standing American foreign policy.
The American ambassador to Israel has ignited controversy by asserting that the responsibility of establishing a Palestinian state should lie with “Muslim countries,” rather than in the territories much of the world considers to be Palestinian lands. In statements made during media interviews, Ambassador Mike Huckabee’s proposals potentially signify a dramatic shift from decades of established U.S. foreign policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
During a videotaped interview with the BBC, Huckabee pointed out that Muslim nations possess 644 times the land controlled by Israel, suggesting that if there is genuine desire for a Palestinian state, these nations should be willing to host and create it. Historically, the U.S. has advocated for a two-state solution aimed at enabling Palestinian sovereignty within the occupied West Bank and Gaza—a policy rooted in the Oslo Accords of 1993.
In a separate dialogue with Bloomberg News, he stated that recognizing the exact territories for a Palestinian state could pose a “problem,” expressing uncertainty about whether his comments reflect a continuation of the Trump administration’s previous support for a two-state solution.
When asked about Huckabee's remarks, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce downplayed them, emphasizing that he speaks for himself and suggesting reporters reach out to the White House for clarity on official U.S. policy. The international community remains largely supportive of Palestinian statehood, with at least 146 of the 193 countries, along with the Holy See, recognizing the claim to statehood.
Despite no acknowledgment from the G7 industrialized nations of a Palestinian state, countries like France and Britain are contemplating their recognition, with French President Emmanuel Macron set to co-chair a U.N. conference focused on Palestinian statehood with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Before stepping into his ambassador role this year, Huckabee had previously made controversial remarks indicating his belief that “there’s really no such thing as a Palestinian,” asserting all land in the occupied West Bank belongs to Israel. Yet, he indicated a willingness to adhere to existing U.S. policy under the current administration, stating, “I won’t make the policy.”
During a videotaped interview with the BBC, Huckabee pointed out that Muslim nations possess 644 times the land controlled by Israel, suggesting that if there is genuine desire for a Palestinian state, these nations should be willing to host and create it. Historically, the U.S. has advocated for a two-state solution aimed at enabling Palestinian sovereignty within the occupied West Bank and Gaza—a policy rooted in the Oslo Accords of 1993.
In a separate dialogue with Bloomberg News, he stated that recognizing the exact territories for a Palestinian state could pose a “problem,” expressing uncertainty about whether his comments reflect a continuation of the Trump administration’s previous support for a two-state solution.
When asked about Huckabee's remarks, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce downplayed them, emphasizing that he speaks for himself and suggesting reporters reach out to the White House for clarity on official U.S. policy. The international community remains largely supportive of Palestinian statehood, with at least 146 of the 193 countries, along with the Holy See, recognizing the claim to statehood.
Despite no acknowledgment from the G7 industrialized nations of a Palestinian state, countries like France and Britain are contemplating their recognition, with French President Emmanuel Macron set to co-chair a U.N. conference focused on Palestinian statehood with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Before stepping into his ambassador role this year, Huckabee had previously made controversial remarks indicating his belief that “there’s really no such thing as a Palestinian,” asserting all land in the occupied West Bank belongs to Israel. Yet, he indicated a willingness to adhere to existing U.S. policy under the current administration, stating, “I won’t make the policy.”
