U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has strongly opposed France’s bid to push for a Palestinian state, stating that the U.S. will not participate in an upcoming conference in New York hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. The event aims to promote the recognition of a Palestinian state, but Huckabee criticized the timing, especially amid Israel’s ongoing conflict, calling it ‘inappropriate.’ He suggested that France consider establishing a Palestinian state in its own territory, which he deemed a more fitting option than pressuring Israel.
Huckabee emphasized the enduring and inseparable relationship between the U.S. and Israel, even in the face of potential disagreements with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Although there may be differences of opinion on the next steps in the war in Gaza and diplomatic talks with Iran, Huckabee assured that the U.S.-Israel partnership remains firmly intact.
He also highlighted Iran as a grave threat to global peace, warning of its potential nuclear ambitions. While he expressed hope that ongoing nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran would succeed, he acknowledged that military force could be a fallback if diplomacy fails. Huckabee stressed the necessity for Hamas to release all hostages and leave Gaza to end the conflict, reflecting his belief that the conflict could have ended earlier if Hamas had chosen to do so.