U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee defended the deaths of children in Gaza during a lengthy interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson, and asserted Israel’s historical claim to land stretching from the Nile to the Euphrates rivers. The interview, which took place on February 21, 2026, has deepened a growing rift within the Republican party regarding the future of U.S.-Israel relations.
The conversation began with Carlson questioning Huckabee about a previously reported, and subsequently leaked, meeting with Jonathan Pollard, an Israeli national who was arrested and later returned to Israel for spying on the United States. Huckabee acknowledged the meeting took place at the embassy, stating it was not a “secret meeting” due to the presence of security cameras and personnel.
When asked whether Israel’s use of U.S. Troops in Iraq served American or Israeli interests, Huckabee responded, “Israel is America’s closest ally,” and maintained that the 2003 invasion of Iraq was justified as part of the “war on terror.” This exchange highlights the increasingly complex debate surrounding the extent of U.S. Support for Israel’s foreign policy objectives.
“ISRAEL HAS A RIGHT TO SELF-DEFENSE WITH ITS NUCLEAR PROGRAM”
Carlson also pressed Huckabee on allegations that Israel developed its nuclear weapons program with stolen U.S. Materials. Whereas not denying the existence of a program, Huckabee asserted, “Israel has a right to self-defense with its nuclear program, and we are cooperating.”
Regarding concerns that Israel might provoke a war between the U.S. And Iran, Huckabee stated, “Iran is a real threat, they have nuclear ambitions, and they are chanting ‘Death to America.’ This is not incitement to war, it’s deterrence for peace.”
“IRAN WANTS TO KILL AMERICANS, ISRAEL PROTECTS U.S. INTERESTS”
Carlson challenged Huckabee’s assertions, asking, “Isn’t this sacrificing American soldiers for Israel’s wars? How do you dismiss the claims of stolen nuclear materials?” and “Wouldn’t a war with Iran be a disaster for the U.S.? Why are we following Israel’s agenda?” Huckabee responded, “Tucker, you are misinformed. The Iranian regime wants to kill Americans and has been saying ‘Death to America’ for 47 years. Israel is protecting U.S. Interests. We are transparent on the nuclear issue, and this is for our mutual security.”
“ISRAEL COULD HAVE KILLED ALL THE CHILDREN IN GAZA IN A DAY”
Turning to the issue of thousands of children killed in Gaza, Huckabee responded to Carlson’s question about the deaths of 14-year-old Hamas militants by saying, “If they participated, God assist them.” When Carlson asked if a 14-year-old is capable of making decisions or deserves to die for being used by adults, Huckabee replied, “If they are carrying weapons, and Israel wanted to, they could have killed all the children in Gaza in less than a day, but they are not.”
“FROM THE NILE TO THE EUPHRATES, ISRAEL’S RIGHT”
When asked about Israel’s claim to “promised lands,” Huckabee referenced the Bible. Carlson pointed out that this claim encompasses parts of Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia, stating, “That means taking all of the Middle East.” Huckabee then asserted that Israel has a “Biblical right” to the land stretching from the Nile River to the Euphrates River, stating, “It would be great if Israel took them all because God gave it to them.”
Maps accompanying the report illustrate that the proposed “Greater Israel” extends into territory currently belonging to the Republic of Turkey.
Huckabee, who theologically believes these lands belong to Israel, also stated he does not expect Israel to achieve full sovereignty over these borders in the near future, but maintained that, “theologically and historically, this is what God promised them.” He added, “according to the Bible, yes, this is the land promised to the Jewish people forever. If Israel were to gain sovereignty or control over all of this land one day, it wouldn’t be a problem. Theologically and historically, according to Scripture, this is the land God promised them.”
When Carlson asked, “So why should America support this?” Huckabee responded, “Because the Bible says so, and it’s a holy right.”
