Trump Nominates Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the next U.S. Ambassador to Israel, a position that will play a key role in shaping American-Israeli relations. Known for his decades-long support of Israel, Huckabee has visited the country over 100 times and brings a deep commitment to defending Israel’s interests on the world stage.

“He loves Israel, and the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in his announcement, describing Huckabee as a “great public servant” who will work tirelessly for Middle East peace. Huckabee’s relationship with Israel goes beyond diplomacy, rooted instead in a lifelong personal and spiritual bond with the Jewish state.

Huckabee, a Southern Baptist pastor and a longtime ally of Israel, has strongly condemned the recent Hamas-led attacks on Israeli civilians on October 7, which saw unprecedented violence against innocent people. Describing the violence as “the worst level of evil that exists on our planet today,” Huckabee has since visited affected communities and expressed his unwavering support for Israel in the wake of these horrors.

During a visit to Kibbutz Kfar Aza, one of the areas devastated by terrorist attacks, Huckabee reflected on the destruction he witnessed, likening it to the aftermath of natural disasters he encountered in Arkansas. “What I’m seeing here happened because people who claimed to be human beings acted like something other than human beings,” he said, stressing the inhumanity of the attacks.

Huckabee has long advocated for Israel’s rights to Judea and Samaria (also known as the West Bank), asserting that Israel’s claim to this land is rooted in thousands of years of history a stronger connection, he argues, than America’s own ties to parts of the United States. “If I came and said, we need to end our occupation of Manhattan, I’m pretty sure that most Americans would find that laughable,” he once remarked.

Through his strong statements and consistent support, Huckabee has made clear his intent to stand unwaveringly with Israel. His nomination has energized supporters who believe in a strengthened U.S.-Israel alliance and a more resilient stance against threats in the Middle East. As ambassador, Huckabee’s dedication to Israel’s security and rights in its historical lands will be central to his role.

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