Controversy Erupts as US Ambassador to Israel Hints at 'Biblical Right' to Vast Territory

Washington D.C. An inflammatory statement by U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, regarding Israel's territorial rights has sparked intense outrage across the Arab and Muslim world. More than a dozen governments and three major regional organizations have issued a joint statement strongly condemning his remarks, which suggested Israel has a 'biblical right' to large swathes of the Middle East. They deemed Friedman's comments as 'dangerous and provocative.'

Friedman, a former rabbi, made these remarks during an interview on the podcast of far-right commentator Tucker Carlson. When Carlson brought up the context of the Bible, suggesting the territory from Egypt's Nile River to Iraq's Euphrates River could belong to Israel, Friedman responded that it 'would be good to take all of it.' Although he later clarified that this statement was somewhat exaggerated and that Israel is not claiming all the territory, it has already caused significant diplomatic turmoil.

The joint statement, issued via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was signed by countries including Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Palestine. Furthermore, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Arab League, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also voiced their opposition. They stated that such expressions seriously undermine international efforts to stop the Gaza war and seek a political solution. Saudi Arabia called it 'irresponsible,' while Jordan termed it a direct interference in regional sovereignty.

Iran accused Friedman's comments of exposing American complicity in the ongoing attacks against Palestinians. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority commented that the ambassador's statement was contrary to President Donald Trump's official stance. Egypt reiterated its long-standing position that no Israeli sovereignty over occupied Palestinian land is acceptable. Kuwait and Oman also stated that this violates international law and jeopardizes the prospects for peace.

As the controversy escalated, Friedman offered clarifications on other matters on the social media platform 'X' but remained silent regarding his controversial statement about biblical verses. While the Speaker of the Israeli Knesset, Amir Ohana, supported Friedman, he accused the host Carlson of distorting facts. Such a non-diplomatic comment from the US Ambassador amid the Gaza war and the tense situation in the West Bank has made the Middle East peace process more complex and risky.