A debate over Israel’s land claims unfolded on “The Tucker Carlson Show” podcast, where U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said “it would be fine if they took it all,” referring to the Jewish state’s biblical claim to land in the Middle East, as reported by The Washington Post. The remark came during a two-hour episode and quickly drew attention across conservative political circles.

During the discussion, Tucker Carlson referenced the Book of Genesis and God’s covenant with Abraham, promising land “from the river of Egypt until the great river, the Euphrates.” Interpretations of the “river of Egypt” vary, ranging from a riverbed in Sinai to the Nile, which could encompass parts of modern-day Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, and Turkey. When pressed on what land that would include, Huckabee responded that it would be fine if Israel took it all.

Huckabee then clarified that he did not believe Israel was seeking to claim such a vast area and said that was not what was currently under discussion. Still, the initial statement became a focal point given his position as U.S. ambassador and the sensitivity surrounding territorial claims in the region.

Comments spotlight conservative divisions over Israel policy

Carlson, a prominent voice in the Make America Great Again movement, has faced criticism for his stance on Israel and U.S. foreign policy. He has promoted an “America First” approach, arguing that U.S. policy should not be overly influenced by foreign governments, including Israel, as broader political attention also lands on the Trump UFO declassification order.

BREAKING: US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee tells Tucker Carlson that Israel has the Biblical right to take over all of the Middle East.

“It would be fine if they took it all.” pic.twitter.com/BN4fXh03ga

— Tucker Carlson Network (@TCNetwork) February 20, 2026

The episode also renewed scrutiny over past guests on Carlson’s platform, including figures who have made controversial statements about Jews and Israel. Those appearances have intensified debate within conservative circles about rhetoric, foreign policy, and the direction of the Republican Party’s approach to the Middle East.

Huckabee has a record of strong public support for Israel that has reportedly caused discomfort within parts of the Trump administration. The Post noted that he previously hosted Jonathan Pollard, who spied for Israel, at the U.S. Embassy, a move some U.S. officials viewed as inappropriate for a diplomat.

He has also signaled openness to Israel applying sovereignty in the West Bank, territory widely regarded internationally as occupied Palestinian land. Those remarks added to internal discussions within the White House and State Department about how far U.S. officials should go in endorsing Israeli territorial claims.

The broader debate comes as some evangelical leaders express concern about younger conservatives growing more skeptical of Israel. More than 1,000 evangelical religious leaders traveled to Israel last month in an effort to reaffirm support and strengthen ties, as lawmakers have also pushed for answers in the Epstein Zorro Ranch probe.

Former Fox host Melissa Francis, who helped organize the Carlson-Huckabee episode, said President Trump asked Carlson to “rein in the fight” within the Republican Party over Israel. According to Francis, Trump was concerned that internal disputes over the issue could politically benefit Democrats.

New satellite images and flight tracking data show a sharp surge in U.S. military aircraft at a base in central Jordan, according to The New York Times. The buildup is turning the base into a key hub as the United States weighs options tied to ongoing talks with Iran over its nuclear program.

Imagery captured on Friday shows more than 60 attack aircraft parked at the Muwaffaq Salti base, roughly triple the number typically stationed there. Flight tracking data also indicates that at least 68 cargo planes have landed at the base since Sunday, underscoring what appears to be a sustained logistical operation rather than a temporary adjustment.

The satellite photos show a visible shift in the types of aircraft present. Among them are F-35 stealth fighters, along with drones and helicopters, signaling an emphasis on advanced strike and surveillance capabilities. The report also notes that soldiers have installed additional air defense systems designed to shield the base from potential Iranian missile attacks.

The buildup signals a wider regional deployment as talks continue

The activity at Muwaffaq Salti is described as part of a broader U.S. deployment across the Middle East as diplomatic negotiations with Iran continue. President Trump told reporters on Friday that he is considering a limited military strike intended to pressure Iran into reaching a deal, amid Trump’s 10-day Iran warning.

New York Times: Muafak Salti Air Base in eastern Jordan has become a major hub for U.S. air assets that have been part of the buildup. At least two waves of strike aircraft arrived at the base between mid-January and mid-February, bringing the number there to nearly 30

Flight…

— מנדי אצרף Mandy Azraf (@8gzMGsCAUl51201) February 19, 2026

Officials familiar with the matter have characterized the aircraft movement as precautionary, but the scale of the buildup has drawn attention from analysts tracking regional military activity. The combination of increased strike aircraft, cargo flights, and newly installed defensive systems suggests preparation for multiple contingencies while talks remain ongoing.

Jordanian officials, speaking anonymously about operational matters, confirmed that the American planes and equipment are deployed under an existing defense agreement between Jordan and the United States. While hosting the expanded U.S. presence, those officials also expressed hope that negotiations between Washington and Tehran will produce an agreement that prevents a broader conflict.

The report adds that officials from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have publicly praised the diplomatic discussions in recent weeks. At the same time, they have stated they would bar attacks on Iran from being launched from their territory, reinforcing the delicate balance regional governments are attempting to maintain.

The developments unfold as political tensions involving the administration remain under scrutiny at home, including a DOJ Trump banner dispute. The Aircraft movements in Jordan now stand as one of the most visible signs of how seriously the United States is preparing for potential escalation, even as diplomatic channels remain open.