In a move highlighting his strong support for Israel, former President Donald Trump has nominated former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Huckabee, a prominent figure within the evangelical Christian community and a longtime ally of Israel, is known for his outspoken views on the region, particularly his opposition to Palestinian sovereignty in the West Bank and his support for Israeli annexation of contested areas.
Announcing Huckabee’s appointment, Trump praised the former governor, stating, “Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years. He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him.” Trump expressed confidence that Huckabee would be instrumental in promoting peace in the Middle East, a central theme of Trump’s re-election campaign.
Huckabee, 69, has been a vocal advocate for Israel’s settlements in the West Bank, which he refers to as “communities” or “neighborhoods” instead of settlements, a term he does not acknowledge. His religious and political views resonate deeply with evangelical Christians, who form a significant portion of Trump’s base and have long championed Israeli causes. Huckabee has also been critical of diplomatic negotiations with Hamas, drawing comparisons between them and the Nazi regime, insisting that, in his view, negotiation is impossible with a group like Hamas.
A seasoned figure in both politics and right-wing media, Huckabee’s nomination aligns with Trump’s plan to bolster a pro-Israel stance within his foreign policy team. Trump’s proposed cabinet choices reflect a strong support for Israel’s actions in ongoing conflicts across the region, including recent escalations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.
The appointment of Huckabee comes amid a backdrop of intense conflict in Gaza, following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which triggered a sweeping Israeli counter-offensive. The conflict has led to significant casualties and displacement in Gaza, with thousands reported dead or injured. Huckabee has been unwavering in his support for Israel’s military campaign, opposing calls for ceasefires and labeling Hamas an existential threat that cannot be negotiated with.
Additionally, Huckabee has a personal connection to the region, frequently leading tours to Israel through “The Israel Experience” program, which offers Americans a chance to visit historic and Biblical sites, from the Sea of Galilee to Jerusalem’s Old City. These tours have deepened Huckabee’s ties to Israel and strengthened his conviction in its significance both religiously and geopolitically.
If confirmed by the Senate, Huckabee will serve alongside other fervently pro-Israel appointees in Trump’s potential new administration, such as Rep. Elise Stefanik for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Rep. Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser. Huckabee’s appointment marks a continuation of Trump’s stance of unwavering support for Israel, a key tenet of his administration’s foreign policy, and a commitment to what Trump describes as “ironclad support” for Israel’s security.
Huckabee’s long-standing advocacy for Israel was further highlighted by his 2017 visit to the West Bank, where he dismissed international perspectives on Israeli settlements. “There’s no such thing as a West Bank,” he stated at the time, referring to the territory by its Biblical name, Judea and Samaria. The remarks echo his longstanding rejection of terms that label the region as occupied, further solidifying his alignment with pro-Israel hardliners who oppose Palestinian statehood.