U.S. Ambassador Sparks Controversy with Unconventional Palestinian State Proposal**

The U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has ignited debate by proposing that the responsibility for establishing a Palestinian state lies with Muslim countries, challenging decades of U.S. support for a two-state solution.**

The U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has raised eyebrows with recent comments suggesting that the establishment of a Palestinian state should be the responsibility of "Muslim countries," a position that diverges significantly from long-standing American foreign policy. These remarks, if confirmed to reflect U.S. policy, could represent a drastic shift regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In a videotaped interview with the BBC, Huckabee stated, "Muslim countries have 644 times the amount of land that are controlled by Israel," arguing that if there is genuine interest in a Palestinian state, those nations should consider hosting it. His remarks came amid ongoing discussions about Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and Gaza.

Traditionally, the United States has endorsed a two-state solution that would provide Palestinians autonomy in these areas, a stance rooted in the Oslo Accords brokered in 1993. This agreement aimed at achieving peace through mutual concessions, with the expectation that both sides would recognize the other’s right to existence and self-governance.

Huckabee's statements also sparked concern about the future of U.S. policy. During a separate interview with Bloomberg, he expressed skepticism regarding the viability of a Palestinian state in the occupied territories, indicating that he did not believe the current administration would support such a declaration.

In response to the potential fallout from Huckabee's comments, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce downplayed the envoy's statements, clarifying that he was speaking only for himself. She emphasized that insights concerning the official U.S. position should be directed to the White House.

Despite the U.S.'s current stance, international support for Palestinian statehood remains strong, with at least 146 of 193 countries recognizing their right to statehood. Notably, upcoming discussions led by French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will further evaluate the steps toward realizing a Palestinian state.

Prior to assuming his role as ambassador, Huckabee had garnered attention for his controversial views, famously claiming that "there's really no such thing as a Palestinian." However, he has reiterated his commitment to uphold presidential policies in his diplomatic capacity, stating, “I won’t make the policy.”