In a controversial statement, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, recently suggested that “Muslim countries” should create a Palestinian state on their lands rather than in the territories globally recognized as Palestinian. This proposal, if adopted as U.S. policy, would starkly deviate from the historical American stance supporting a two-state solution.
During a BBC interview, Huckabee stated, “Muslim countries have 644 times the amount of land that Israel controls,” prompting his notion that these nations should step up to accommodate a Palestinian state. The U.S. has backed a two-state solution since the Oslo Accords in 1993, which aimed to grant Palestinians sovereignty in the West Bank and Gaza.
While expressing concern over such a shift, Huckabee indicated that declaring sovereignty over the recognized territories could be problematic. His earlier comments as a private citizen, denying the existence of a "Palestinian" identity, raised eyebrows about his appointment but he vowed to adhere to presidential policy when taking office.
When questioned on Huckabee's statements, a State Department spokeswoman stated he reflects his views, indicating uncertainty regarding the official U.S. policy position. Meanwhile, 146 out of 193 countries advocate for Palestinian statehood, and talks between France and the U.K. about possible recognition are ongoing.
Next week, a U.N. conference hosted by France and Saudi Arabia aims to discuss Palestinian statehood, potentially reenergizing the conversation around this contentious issue.
During a BBC interview, Huckabee stated, “Muslim countries have 644 times the amount of land that Israel controls,” prompting his notion that these nations should step up to accommodate a Palestinian state. The U.S. has backed a two-state solution since the Oslo Accords in 1993, which aimed to grant Palestinians sovereignty in the West Bank and Gaza.
While expressing concern over such a shift, Huckabee indicated that declaring sovereignty over the recognized territories could be problematic. His earlier comments as a private citizen, denying the existence of a "Palestinian" identity, raised eyebrows about his appointment but he vowed to adhere to presidential policy when taking office.
When questioned on Huckabee's statements, a State Department spokeswoman stated he reflects his views, indicating uncertainty regarding the official U.S. policy position. Meanwhile, 146 out of 193 countries advocate for Palestinian statehood, and talks between France and the U.K. about possible recognition are ongoing.
Next week, a U.N. conference hosted by France and Saudi Arabia aims to discuss Palestinian statehood, potentially reenergizing the conversation around this contentious issue.
