Trump Nominates Mike Huckabee as US Ambassador to Israel

Photo : AFP

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he was nominating former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the next U.S. ambassador to Israel. Huckabee, a staunch pro-Israel conservative, is a well-known evangelical Christian and a vocal supporter of Israel throughout his political career. His nomination is seen as a signal of the direction U.S. policy could take under Trump's administration, particularly in regard to conflicts in the Middle East.

Huckabee, 69, is known for his outspoken support of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank and his alignment with the Israeli government’s stance on territorial disputes. In a 2017 interview, Huckabee referred to the West Bank by its biblical names, Judea and Samaria, and denied the concept of Israeli occupation in the region. He also strongly criticized the idea of a Palestinian state.

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Trump’s announcement was met with immediate praise from Israeli officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior leaders expressed support for Huckabee’s nomination, reflecting the strong bond between the U.S. and Israel during Trump's tenure. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar took to social media, extending a warm welcome to Huckabee, who is expected to work closely with Israel’s government to further strengthen relations between the two nations.

The nomination could, however, draw sharp criticism from Palestinian officials and international observers. Huckabee has been a vocal critic of the Palestinian cause, having previously denigrated Palestinian nationalism. His appointment could potentially strain U.S.-Palestinian relations, as he has openly supported Israeli settlement-building in the West Bank, which remains a contentious issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Most of the international community, including the U.S. under past administrations, considers the settlements to be illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this view.

As a former Republican presidential candidate and TV personality, Huckabee’s nomination comes at a time when Israel is engaged in intense conflicts, notably with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, while also facing threats from Iran. Huckabee has been outspoken in criticizing the current U.S. administration's approach to Israel, especially regarding its stance on the Gaza conflict. He has opposed President Joe Biden’s calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and has expressed support for a more aggressive stance toward Hamas.

Huckabee’s nomination is part of Trump’s broader strategy to maintain strong support for Israel. During his first term, Trump made several significant moves in support of Israel, including recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and moving the U.S. embassy there. Huckabee’s pro-Israel stance aligns with the broader goals of the Trump administration and its alignment with Netanyahu’s government, particularly on issues related to security and regional stability.

Huckabee, who served as Arkansas governor from 1996 to 2007, has long been involved in evangelical Christian movements, including leading tours to Israel. His daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, currently serves as the governor of Arkansas and was also a key figure in Trump’s White House as his press secretary from 2017 to 2019.

If confirmed, Huckabee would take on one of the most sensitive and high-profile diplomatic roles, representing U.S. interests in Israel during a volatile period in the Middle East.

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