Huckabee, in a recent BBC interview, proposed that “Muslim countries have 644 times the amount of land that are controlled by Israel,” suggesting they could host a Palestinian state if there is genuine desire for one. This statement aligns poorly with the long-standing American diplomatic goal of supporting Palestinian sovereignty in the West Bank and Gaza, a commitment originating from the Oslo Accords of 1993.
In discussions with Bloomberg News, Huckabee indicated a reluctance to endorse the specific territories of West Bank and Gaza as potential sites for a future Palestinian state, stating it could be problematic. He acknowledged the historical efforts by various American and European administrations to push for a two-state solution, but raised questions on its viability moving forward.
The U.S. State Department quickly responded to Huckabee's assertions, with spokeswoman Tammy Bruce clarifying that he was expressing his own views rather than the administration's official stance, prompting journalists to seek further clarification from the White House.
Currently, 146 countries support Palestinian statehood within the West Bank and Gaza, although no G7 nation recognizes it. Meanwhile, discussions between France and Britain are reportedly progressing towards possible recognition. A significant conference led by French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to address Palestinian statehood next week in New York.
Before assuming his role as ambassador, Huckabee had controversial views on Palestinian identity and land claims. Despite his previous statements, he committed to uphold the presidential policies as ambassador.
In discussions with Bloomberg News, Huckabee indicated a reluctance to endorse the specific territories of West Bank and Gaza as potential sites for a future Palestinian state, stating it could be problematic. He acknowledged the historical efforts by various American and European administrations to push for a two-state solution, but raised questions on its viability moving forward.
The U.S. State Department quickly responded to Huckabee's assertions, with spokeswoman Tammy Bruce clarifying that he was expressing his own views rather than the administration's official stance, prompting journalists to seek further clarification from the White House.
Currently, 146 countries support Palestinian statehood within the West Bank and Gaza, although no G7 nation recognizes it. Meanwhile, discussions between France and Britain are reportedly progressing towards possible recognition. A significant conference led by French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to address Palestinian statehood next week in New York.
Before assuming his role as ambassador, Huckabee had controversial views on Palestinian identity and land claims. Despite his previous statements, he committed to uphold the presidential policies as ambassador.
