US Ambassador to Israel Accused of Making 'Odd' Sex Joke in Wartime Memo
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee is facing sharp criticism after being accused of making a bizarre and inappropriate sex joke in a memo to diplomatic staff who are currently sheltering in place amid the escalating regional war with Iran. The memo, which was obtained by The Washington Post, has been described by a US official as both "awkward" and "odd," raising serious questions about professional conduct during a crisis.
Details of the Controversial Memo
In the wartime communication, the Trump administration official reportedly joked that diplomats, staff members, and their families might have some new children approximately nine months from now due to their "extended time" together while sheltering. The memo allegedly included the line: "If that time results in the birth of your next child in about 9 months, I of course expect that you will want to name the little bugger after me!" This remark has sparked outrage and concern among diplomatic circles, with many viewing it as highly unprofessional given the grave security situation.
Shelter-in-Place Orders Amid Regional Conflict
Americans in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, including embassy personnel, have been instructed to shelter in place as the conflict with Iran widens into a multi-front war. A State Department update on Tuesday confirmed these orders, noting that the US Embassy is not currently in a position to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel. On Monday, the US Embassy in Jerusalem issued a statement clarifying that it cannot guarantee the safety of Americans who choose to use an Israeli border shuttle offered by the Ministry of Tourism for those fleeing the conflict.
The notice explicitly stated: "The U.S. Embassy cannot make any recommendation (for or against) the Ministry of Tourism’s shuttle. If you choose to avail yourself of this option to depart, the U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety." This highlights the precarious and dangerous conditions facing diplomatic staff and American citizens in the region.
Escalating Violence and Diplomatic Tensions
The war has rapidly expanded, with strikes hitting Israel and Israeli troops deploying into nearby Lebanon against Hezbollah. Diplomatic staff across the Middle East are on high alert as the conflict continues to intensify. Iran has already targeted US diplomatic installations in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, resulting in significant damage and heightened fears. At least six American service members have been killed in the fighting, underscoring the severe human cost of the conflict.
In response to the crisis, the State Department is "actively working on plans to help Americans in the Middle East return home," according to a statement from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday. This effort is complicated by the ongoing violence and the logistical challenges of evacuating personnel from a war zone.
Huckabee's Previous Controversial Remarks
Prior to this incident, Ambassador Huckabee had already made headlines for his divisive comments on US policy towards Israel. In an adversarial interview with podcaster Tucker Carlson, he stated that he would be "fine" if Israel took over more nearby territory, a remark that angered regional diplomats and highlighted the ongoing divide within conservative circles. Although he later softened his comments, this latest controversy adds to a pattern of provocative statements that have strained diplomatic relations.
The Independent has reached out to the State Department for comment on the memo, but as of now, no official response has been provided. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic staff continuing to shelter in place while the war rages on, and the ambassador's joke serving as an unwelcome distraction from the serious security concerns at hand.
