President-elect Donald Trump has officially nominated former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee to serve as the United States ambassador to Israel. In a statement, Trump praised Huckabee, highlighting his strong commitment to public service and his deep affection for Israel and its people. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about Peace in the Middle East!” Trump emphasized.
Huckabee has long been recognized as a staunch advocate for Israel, particularly in relation to its claims over the West Bank. His selection aligns with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with American evangelicals.
A seasoned traveler to Israel, Huckabee recently led a tour in the country. He has actively supported Israeli settlements, having participated in laying the cornerstone for a neighborhood in a major settlement near Jerusalem in 2017. Huckabee has made clear his perspective on these issues, stating, “I think Israel has title deed to Judea and Samaria,” and rejecting the terminology often associated with the region, including “settlements” and “occupation.”
Israeli officials have welcomed Huckabee’s nomination. Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right finance minister advocating for the annexation of West Bank settlements, expressed confidence that Huckabee’s appointment would bolster Israel’s security and presence in the region. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also shared his optimism, calling Huckabee a “longstanding friend of Israel” and expressing eagerness to enhance the relationship between the two nations. Additionally, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, praised Huckabee for his familiarity with the situation in Israel, while National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showed support through social media.
This nomination could pave the way for a significant strengthening of U.S.-Israel relations, particularly under the growing influence of evangelical support for Israel. Huckabee’s role as ambassador presents a hopeful opportunity for fruitful dialogue in pursuing peace efforts in the region. Overall, Huckabee’s appointment signals a commitment to a perspective that is closely aligned with certain factions within both Israel and the U.S., potentially ushering in new dynamics in Middle Eastern diplomacy.