Mike Huckabee Selected by Trump as New U.S. Ambassador to Israel

President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the next U.S. ambassador to Israel, signaling a continued commitment to close U.S.-Israel relations. Known for his strong support of Israel, Huckabee is a prominent figure in American evangelical circles and has long championed Israel’s rights on the global stage. “Mike has been a great public servant, governor, and leader in faith for many years. He loves Israel, and the people of Israel love him,” Trump stated. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East!”

Huckabee’s appointment reflects Trump’s focus on Israel as a priority in U.S. foreign policy. A staunch advocate for Israel’s right to defend itself, Huckabee has frequently spoken out against anti-Israel protests, particularly those that surged following the October 7 Hamas attack in southern Israel. Huckabee criticized U.S. President Joe Biden’s response to these protests, taking issue with what he perceived as sympathies toward anti-Israel demonstrators.

Known for his firm stance on Israeli settlements, Huckabee has described the West Bank as “Judea and Samaria,” emphasizing the ancient Jewish connection to the land. “There is no such thing as settlements they’re communities, they’re neighborhoods, they’re cities,” he has said, rejecting the term “occupation” and expressing his support for Israel’s historic claims.

Huckabee will replace outgoing ambassador Jack Lew and has received the endorsement of former ambassador David Friedman, who served during Trump’s first term. Friedman, a key figure in Trump’s policies of moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Congrats Mike on getting the best job in the world!”

During his first administration, Trump’s foreign policy initiatives included the groundbreaking Abraham Accords, which normalized Israel’s relations with several Arab states. As part of his current campaign, Trump has vowed to build on these accords and further Israel’s diplomatic achievements across the region. He has also voiced support for Israel’s military actions against Hamas, urging Israel to expedite its counterterrorism operations in Gaza.

As Huckabee prepares to take on this new role, his support for Israel is expected to shape future U.S. policy decisions and deepen the already strong relationship between the two nations.

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