Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump as the new U.S. ambassador to Israel. Huckabee, a prominent pro-settlement figure, is set to take over from Jack Lew, who has held the position for the past year.
At 69, Huckabee is a devout evangelical Christian and has a long-standing career in politics and media. He served as Arkansas’ governor from 1996 to 2007 and later made unsuccessful bids for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016. Following his presidential campaigns, Huckabee hosted a talk show on Fox News from 2008 until 2015, which was then revived on the Christian network TBN in 2017. He has been a consistent supporter of Trump since ending his campaign for the presidency in 2016.
Huckabee is known for his strong support for Israel. In light of his appointment, Trump stated that Huckabee “loves Israel and the people of Israel,” emphasizing his commitment to promote peace in the Middle East. Experts suggest that Huckabee’s appointment aligns with a strongly pro-Israel stance taken by the Trump administration, mirroring the earlier appointment of David Friedman, a supporter of Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
Notably, Huckabee’s views often dismiss the concept of Palestinian identity and the viability of a two-state solution. He has controversially stated that there is “no such thing as a West Bank,” referring to it instead as Judea and Samaria, and claims that Israeli settlements are merely neighborhoods rather than illegal encroachments. He has also indicated belief that land is available for Palestinians in neighboring countries like Jordan and Egypt.
Responses in Israel to Huckabee’s appointment have been favorable among political figures aligned with the right. Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir celebrated the news with supportive social media posts, and UN Ambassador Danny Danon expressed enthusiasm for working with Huckabee to strengthen U.S.-Israel ties.
The implications of Huckabee’s appointment for Israel’s ongoing strategies in Gaza and the West Bank remain uncertain, though it suggests minimal opposition from the incoming U.S. administration regarding Israeli policies. Observers comment that the current Israeli government is likely to welcome the appointment, as it aligns with their pro-settlement agenda.
As Huckabee steps into this influential role, many are watching to see how his strong pro-Israel posture will shape U.S. foreign policy in the region. While there may be concerns regarding the potential for peace negotiations, Huckabee’s commitment to Israel may reinforce existing alliances and strengthen ties in a time of geopolitical uncertainty.
This appointment signals a continued trend in U.S. policy that aligns closely with Israel’s right-wing agenda, providing an opportunity for increased engagement and collaboration between the nations. It remains to be seen how these developments will affect broader dynamics in the Middle East, but there is hope for constructive dialogue and lasting partnerships that prioritize peace and security in the region.