President-elect Donald Trump has announced that he has selected former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the new US Ambassador to Israel. This decision, made public on Tuesday, comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Trump praised Huckabee as a devoted public servant and a passionate advocate for Israel. "Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years," Trump said in a statement. "He loves Israel, and the people of Israel love him. Mike will work tirelessly to bring about Peace in the Middle East!"
While Huckabee’s appointment is subject to Senate approval, it is expected to face little resistance, as Republicans are projected to hold at least 52 seats in the upcoming Congress.
Huckabee, a 69-year-old veteran political figure, is stepping into the role at a time of intense international scrutiny surrounding Israel’s military actions, particularly in Gaza, after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
Huckabee's appointment has sparked attention given his stance on the conflict. The former Arkansas Governor has previously expressed opposition to cease-fire negotiations with Hamas, believing that the only resolution to the ongoing conflict is the group's unconditional surrender.
His comments reflect a more hawkish stance, which aligns with Trump’s steadfast support for Israel throughout his presidency. Trump has often spoken of his unwavering commitment to the Jewish state, including moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and supporting the Abraham Accords, which established diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations in 2020.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continued to engage with Trump, especially in the wake of the ongoing conflict, and has pledged to press forward with military action until Hamas is defeated.
Netanyahu’s stance is in line with Huckabee's views on Hamas, which he described as unworthy of negotiations. Huckabee has even likened attempting to negotiate with Hamas to trying to negotiate with the Nazis during World War II, stressing that the only solution is to "defeat and eradicate them."
Huckabee’s appointment comes at a time when Israel is facing significant international criticism for its military operations in Gaza. Human rights organisations have raised concerns over civilian casualties, with the Palestinian death toll reported to be over 43,000. Despite these challenges, Huckabee has remained steadfast in his view that Israel must continue its campaign without yielding to calls for cease-fires.
The nomination has received support from various pro-Israel groups, including the Republican Jewish Coalition, which praised Huckabee’s deep faith and unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.
The coalition highlighted his long-standing relationship with the country and his advocacy for its right to defend itself against terrorism. "As the Jewish state continues to fight an existential war for survival against Iran and its terrorist proxies, Governor Huckabee will represent America’s ironclad commitment to Israel’s security with distinction," the group said.
David Friedman, who served as Trump’s US Ambassador to Israel, also expressed his approval of the nomination. "I am thrilled by President Trump’s nomination of Governor Mike Huckabee as the next Ambassador to Israel. He is a dear friend, and he will have my full support. Congrats Mike on getting the best job in the world!" Friedman said.
Huckabee, a Baptist minister and former Fox News host, has had a long career in public service. He served as the Governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007 and ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and again in 2016. His daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, currently serves as the Governor of Arkansas and previously worked as White House Press Secretary under Trump.
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