Yair Lapid, Israel's main opposition leader, has expressed support for the country's expansion into the Middle East, citing Zionist and biblical foundations.
Lapid made the comments at a news conference on Monday, where he stated that his views on territorial takeover are based on the Bible. He said, 'I support anything that will allow the Jews a large, broad, strong land and a safe haven for us – our children and our children’s children.'
The opposition leader's remarks come after US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee suggested that Israel has the right to take over much of the Middle East, sparking regional condemnation. Huckabee's comments were described as 'extremist rhetoric' by Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry.
Lapid noted that while he supports expansion, there are 'Israeli security and policy considerations' that could impede such efforts. He did not elaborate on what these considerations are.
Mike Huckabee, a self-professed Christian Zionist, had said in an interview that it would be 'fine' if Israel took control of the region, including areas between the Euphrates River in Iraq and the Nile River in Egypt.
The US Embassy later clarified that Huckabee's comments were taken out of context and that there is no change to US policies on Israel. Huckabee has long opposed the idea of a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinian people.
Source: Al Jazeera
