Huckabee Holds Meeting with Palestinian Authority Deputy Leader in Ramallah

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee held his first official meeting with Palestinian Authority (P.A.) Deputy Leader Hussein al-Sheikh on Tuesday in Ramallah, signaling a notable diplomatic engagement. According to al-Sheikh, the discussions centered on halting the war in Gaza, securing the release of hostages, and delivering urgent humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the Strip.

The meeting also addressed developments in Judea and Samaria, where the P.A. is facing what al-Sheikh described as a “severe economic and financial crisis,” along with allegations of violence by Israeli residents. “Ways to strengthen bilateral relations were explored, as well as the importance of the American role in achieving stability, security and peace in the region,” he said.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem had yet to issue a public readout of the meeting at the time of publication.

Huckabee’s visit marks a shift in the P.A.’s stance toward U.S. envoys under the Trump administration. During Trump’s first term, Ramallah boycotted his predecessor, Ambassador David Friedman. Huckabee, a strong supporter of Israel’s historical and biblical claims to Judea and Samaria, has made clear his position. In May, he became the first U.S. ambassador to pray at the ancient site of Shiloh in Samaria, stating: “I have never used any term other than Judea and Samaria. It would be a historical injustice and a denial of the Bible to use other terms.”

The meeting comes amid a complex political landscape in Israel. A recent survey revealed that 64% of Israelis oppose the creation of a Palestinian state along pre-1967 borders. Only 8% support unconditional statehood, while 17% back the idea if Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state and agree to demilitarization. Among Jewish Israelis, opposition rises to 77%, and among right-wing voters, it stands at 88%.

The Palestinian Authority itself is viewed unfavorably by a majority of Israelis, with 53% opposing any P.A. role in post-war Gaza, compared to just 26% who favor its involvement. Security concerns remain high, with 66% of Israelis fearing a repeat of an October 7-style massacre originating from Judea and Samaria.

Huckabee’s meeting underscores ongoing U.S. efforts to maintain dialogue while reaffirming Israel’s security concerns and historical rights in its biblical heartland.

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