Huckabee Says Israel Within Rights to Take Nile–Euphrates Territory

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee’s wide-ranging interview with Tucker Carlson evolved into a pointed debate over biblical land claims, Gaza casualties, US foreign policy and freedom of the press, exposing deep ideological divisions.

Biblical Land Claim: “From the Nile to the Euphrates”

During the interview, Carlson cited Genesis 15, which refers to land stretching from the Nile River to the Euphrates — a description that would encompass modern-day Israel, the occupied Palestinian territories and parts of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt.

When asked directly whether Israel had the right to that land, Huckabee initially responded: “It would be fine if they took it all.” He later added that this was “somewhat of a hyperbolic statement,” clarifying that Israel is not currently seeking to seize such territory.

Huckabee stressed that Israel is “not trying to take over Jordan” or other neighboring states, but argued that if Israel were attacked and won a war, territorial outcomes would become “a whole other discussion.” Pressed again on whether such biblical claims would be legitimate today, he ultimately said he was “not sure that it would be.”

Reference to the “Greater Israel” Concept

Carlson’s questioning framed Huckabee’s remarks within the broader ideological concept often described as “Greater Israel,” an interpretation embraced by some Israeli political figures that draws on biblical descriptions of territorial boundaries.

Huckabee, a Baptist minister and avowed Zionist, has long expressed theological support for Israel. Carlson argued that the ambassador was articulating Christian Zionist beliefs, suggesting that such views have implications for modern policy. Huckabee rejected the characterization that he was advocating territorial expansion today.

Gaza: Journalists and Civilian Deaths

The conversation shifted to the war in Gaza. Carlson asked Huckabee how many journalists Israel had killed during the conflict.

“I don’t know,” Huckabee replied.

“Over 200,” Carlson said.

Huckabee questioned whether all those counted were “real journalists,” asserting that some individuals described as journalists had been documented Hamas fighters.

In another exchange, Carlson asked whether a 14-year-old child used by armed groups should be considered responsible and deserving of death. Huckabee responded that if a minor is “holding a gun and pointing it at someone who’s trying to save a hostage,” the situation changes.

Huckabee further argued that if Israel had intended to kill all children in Gaza, it had the military capacity to do so “in less than a day.” He claimed Israel sends pager alerts, text messages, leaflets and public warnings before strikes to minimize civilian casualties — adding that even the United States does not take such measures. Carlson described that comparison as revealing, while Huckabee insisted he was not criticizing the US.

Reference to September 2024 Pager Explosions in Lebanon

In September 2024, pagers allegedly used by Hezbollah members exploded in coordinated blasts in parts of southern Lebanon, an incident widely reported as a targeted operation against communication devices.

During his interview with Tucker Carlson, Carlson referred to Israel’s use of pager messages in Gaza in that broader context and asked about the practice.

Mike Huckabee responded: “Do you know what Israel does? They send pager messages and text alerts to every cell phone in Gaza, saying, ‘We’re going to hit this particular target.’ They drop leaflets and publicly announce where they’re going to strike. Nobody does that — the U.S. doesn’t do that. Israel does this in order to prevent civilian casualties.”

When Carlson said the comparison with the United States was revealing, Huckabee replied: “No, no — you’ve misunderstood me. I did not take a dig at the U.S.”

Iran and Regional War Concerns

The interview also addressed Iran. Huckabee stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not want a war with Iran, pushing back against suggestions that Israel seeks broader regional escalation.

The wide interview highlighted tensions not only over theology and territorial claims, but also over US diplomatic priorities, Middle East strategy and the limits of American support for Israel.