Uproar erupted after U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said in an interview that it “would be fine” if Israel took all of the Middle East, citing biblical claims.

The U.S. Embassy said his remarks were taken out of context and that policy toward Israel has not changed.

A joint statement from over a dozen Arab and Muslim countries called Huckabee’s comments “dangerous and inflammatory,” emphasizing support for a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians.

Huckabee, an evangelical Christian and supporter of West Bank settlements, has long opposed the two-state approach, The Hill has reported.

Meanwhile, Israel remains on high alert over possible attacks from Iran, with U.S. forces moving warships and aircraft to the region, though no strike has been ordered.