US Softens Support for Palestinian State in West Bank

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated in a series of interviews that the United States no longer fully supports the creation of a Palestinian state within the West Bank, marking a significant departure from previous US policy. Huckabee argued that an independent Palestinian state is not currently a US policy goal, citing a lack of conducive cultural changes and suggesting such changes are unlikely 'in our lifetime.' He suggested that a Palestinian state could potentially be established in another country within the region, pointing out that Muslim-majority countries have more land compared to Israel. Huckabee emphasized that all options should be considered regarding the location and nature of a potential Palestinian state and questioned the necessity of it being within historic Palestine. The White House and State Department have not commented on his remarks, which reflect a broader pro-Israel direction in US policy under President Trump. His statements have triggered debate over the future of the two-state solution framework.