On a notable Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump made a significant announcement regarding a key appointment in the United States diplomatic landscape. He revealed that he had chosen former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee to serve as the United States ambassador to Israel. Huckabee, known for his strong pro-Israel stance, has previously made headlines for his controversial assertions, including the claim that “there was no such thing as a Palestinian.” This nomination, framed as a step towards bolstering U.S.-Israel relations, reflects the incoming administration’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Israeli government and its supporters.
In his statement, Trump lauded Huckabee as “a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith,” emphasizing Huckabee’s enduring affection for Israel and the mutual regard between him and the Israeli populace. Trump further expressed his confidence in Huckabee’s abilities to contribute towards achieving peace in the tumultuous Middle East, suggesting that Huckabee’s long-standing relationship with both U.S. politics and Israel positioned him as an ideal choice for the role.
Adding a personal touch to the narrative, it’s noteworthy that Huckabee’s daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, formerly served as Trump’s press secretary during his first term, which amplifies the familial and professional connections that intertwine their political engagements. Throughout his career, Huckabee has maintained a staunchly pro-Israeli perspective, particularly concerning claims related to the contentious West Bank territory.
In recent discussions, Huckabee indicated that it is “of course” feasible for the U.S. to provide support for the Israeli government, specifically if there were moves toward annexing Israeli-occupied territories. During a segment on Israeli Army Radio, he affirmed his role as a conveyor of Trump’s policies, noting that the previous administration made substantial advancements in recognizing Israeli sovereignty, including pivotal shifts such as moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, and acknowledging the Golan Heights as part of Israel.
The West Bank, which Israel has occupied since the 1967 war, has seen the establishment and expansion of Jewish settlements, leading to ongoing international discourse surrounding legality and morality. The growing population of these settlements, now comprising around half a million Israelis, persists as a contentious issue amidst struggling peace efforts with the Palestinians. Huckabee’s remarks and policy inclinations reflect an ongoing alignment with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government goals, particularly in the context of U.S. evangelical support.
As Huckabee continues to cultivate ties with the Israeli community, his extensive previous engagements in the country—including leading tours with Senior Adult Travel Inc.—illustrate a deep interest in the region. His prior statements during his 2015 presidential campaign further indicate a hardline stance on the Palestinian issue, suggesting potential alternatives for Palestinian statehood in neighboring countries instead of within Israel’s existing territories.
Huckabee has asserted that there is “no such thing” as a Palestinian, which echoes the sentiments he expressed during a campaign stop in 2008. This perspective underlines a controversial rejection of widely accepted narratives about Palestinian identity and territory, contributing to a broader discourse that critiques longstanding and complex geopolitical tensions in the region. His support for Israeli settlements has manifested in actions such as laying down a cornerstone for a new neighborhood in a major settlement near Jerusalem in 2017.
The reaction to Huckabee’s appointment from Israeli officials has been largely positive. Figures such as Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s finance minister advocating for settlement expansion, congratulated Huckabee, framing him as a friend who will bolster Israel’s position and security. Similarly, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed anticipation of collaborating with Huckabee to further strengthen ties between Israel and the U.S.
Overall, Huckabee’s nomination as ambassador signifies a strategic enhancement of U.S.-Israel relations. With his radical viewpoints, familiarity with the geopolitical nuances, and a direct line to the Trump administration, Huckabee is positioned to significantly influence U.S. foreign policy in the region. The implications of this choice will certainly unfold as both domestic and international observers keenly watch Huckabee navigate the complex challenges that arise in U.S.-Israeli diplomacy.
