‘Spiritual darkness’: US ambassador to Israel says critics of Iran war are blinded by Satan

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has drawn criticism after saying that critics of US war on Iran are "in spiritual darkness" and claiming that those who disagree with intervention have been blinded by Satan.

Huckabee's comments were posted online over the weekend, attracting backlash from conservative commentators who called for him to be removed from his role as a diplomat.

The comments were made during a live interview with Israeli commentator Amir Tsarfati on The Anchor Podcast.

In the interview published on October 23 by Behold Israel, Tsarfati asked Huckabee to comment on the attitude of European governments towards US military action against Iran. He asked if there was a "mental issue" or a "spiritual issue."

“I think it's a spiritual issue,” Huckabee replied.

“I know it sounds a little funny for an ambassador to be talking like this, but look, I see this as spiritual darkness, spiritual blindness.”

He continued: “Because Satan has blinded the minds of those and has captured their thinking.”

“I really do believe that there is something deeper than just the obvious geopolitical issues at bay,” he added.