Donald Trump has announced the nomination of Mike Huckabee as the United States ambassador to Israel in his forthcoming administration. Huckabee, a dedicated supporter of the Israeli government, is set to play a crucial role in enhancing US-Israel relations.
In a statement released on Tuesday, President-elect Trump lauded Huckabee as “a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years.” He further added, “Mike loves Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him.”
Mike Huckabee, 69, is a former Christian pastor and politician who sought the Republican Party’s presidential nomination twice, including in 2016 when he ran against Trump. After withdrawing from the race, Huckabee promptly endorsed Trump.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar extended his congratulations to Huckabee, who has previously asserted that there is “no such thing as an occupation” regarding the Palestinian territories. In a message on X (formerly Twitter), Saar expressed eagerness to collaborate with Huckabee to strengthen the bond between their nations, highlighting Huckabee’s long-standing friendship with Israel and its eternal capital, Jerusalem.
Huckabee’s appointment awaits confirmation by the US Senate. He has been a frequent visitor to Israel since 1973 and has led numerous tours there. In 2017, Huckabee attended the expansion of Maale Adumim, one of Israel’s largest West Bank settlements, signaling his support for Trump’s policies on Israel. He has referred to the West Bank as “Judea and Samaria,” using the region’s biblical names, and dismissed the notion of settlements and occupation, describing them instead as communities, neighborhoods, and cities.
During a December 2023 visit to Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Huckabee stated, “if we don’t stand with Israel, we stand for chaos.”
Hailing from Hope, Arkansas—the same town as former Democratic President Bill Clinton, who also served as Arkansas governor—Huckabee brings a blend of religious leadership and political experience to his new role.
