Iraq condemns US ambassador’s remark suggesting Israeli control of Middle East ‘fine’

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Foreign Ministry condemned remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee that suggested Israeli control over the entire Middle East could be considered “fine.”

In a statement, the ministry expressed “strong condemnation and profound denunciation” of the comments, saying they included “remarks suggesting that the Israeli entity’s control over the entire Middle East could be considered acceptable.”

In a televised interview with commentator Tucker Carlson released Friday, Huckabee was asked about a biblical interpretation of Israel’s right to land described in Genesis covering large parts of the Middle East. Carlson said the territory would be “basically the entire Middle East.”

“It would be fine if they took it all,” Huckabee responded.

He later added that Israel is “not trying to take over Jordan, they’re not trying to take over Syria, they’re not trying to take over Iraq or anywhere else” and described his initial comment as “somewhat of a hyperbolic statement.”

The ministry said the statements “constitute a serious transgression and are inconsistent with the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.”

It added that the remarks “represent an infringement upon the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of States.”

The ministry reaffirmed Iraq’s “steadfast position” in support of state sovereignty and rejection of “any policies or practices based on domination or the imposition of a fait accompli.”

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation also condemned the remarks.