Overview
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed chiefs of mission to avoid public statements that could inflame regional audiences or complicate U.S. relationships, citing rising tensions and delicate Iran negotiations.
- The American Embassy in Jerusalem told non‑essential U.S. government personnel they could leave the region, as the United States surged warships and aircraft to the area.
- Ambassador Mike Huckabee said Tucker Carlson’s viral clip cut off his immediate walkback of the “it would be fine if [Israel] took it all” line, shared full transcripts with regional leaders, and stressed there is no change to U.S. policy.
- Arab and Muslim governments continue to condemn Huckabee’s remarks, while he urges confronting antisemitism and rejects Carlson’s claims about Israeli influence over President Trump and an alleged airport detention.
- Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, blasted Carlson’s rhetoric as antisemitic and dismissed the idea that Israel is steering U.S. decisions on Iran, as Rubio plans a visit to Israel next week.