The United States ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has sought to clarify remarks that prompted regional controversy after they were interpreted as endorsing sweeping Israeli territorial expansion.

In a statement issued following mounting diplomatic reactions, Huckabee said his words had been taken out of context and did not represent a shift in official United States policy.

The controversy stemmed from a recent interview in which Huckabee referenced biblical geography while discussing Israel’s security environment.

Portions of the exchange circulated widely online and were cited by several Middle Eastern governments as suggesting support for broad Israeli claims beyond internationally recognised boundaries.

Saudi Arabia and other Arab states publicly rejected the interpretation, warning that such rhetoric could inflame tensions at a sensitive moment in regional diplomacy.

Huckabee responded that his comments were descriptive and rhetorical rather than prescriptive, adding that he does not advocate altering borders outside the framework of established U.S. policy.

He emphasised that the United States continues to support a negotiated resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and that any changes to territorial arrangements must be achieved through direct agreement between the parties involved.

Officials in Washington reiterated that longstanding U.S. policy remains unchanged and that the ambassador’s remarks should not be construed as signalling a new strategic direction.

Israeli officials did not indicate any shift in their own government’s policy following the episode.

The incident underscores the sensitivity surrounding diplomatic language at a time of heightened tension in the Middle East.

With negotiations and security challenges unfolding simultaneously, regional governments have been quick to scrutinise statements that could be interpreted as altering the delicate balance underpinning ongoing diplomatic efforts.