New U.S. Ambassador Affirms: ‘Judea and Samaria Sovereignty Up to Israel

Mike Huckabee, the incoming U.S. ambassador to Israel, has stated that decisions regarding Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria rest solely with the Jewish state. Speaking to Israel National News on November 15, Huckabee said, “I don’t think Donald Trump is the kind of president that wants to tell other countries what to do and how to do it. He wants to accommodate, help, encourage peaceful endeavors, and strengthen alliances.”

While Huckabee emphasized his role as an envoy tasked with executing the policies of President-elect Donald Trump, he affirmed his longstanding pro-Israel positions. “I’m very pleased that his policies have been the most pro-Israel policies of any president in my lifetime,” Huckabee said.

Strengthening US-Israel Relations

Huckabee reiterated the importance of a strong and consistent U.S.-Israel alliance, contrasting Trump’s approach with what he described as inconsistent messaging from the current administration. “With Donald Trump, there is a certainty in the sound of his voice and in the meaning of his message,” Huckabee said, adding that America under Trump would ensure Israel never stands alone.

The ambassador-designate also addressed regional threats, promising a firm stance against Iran for funding terrorism. Huckabee expressed his intent to further Trump’s work on the Abraham Accords, envisioning an expanded framework for regional peace and economic cooperation. “Everybody wins when there are agreements that foster trade, tourism, business relationships, and diplomatic relationships,” he said.

Judea and Samaria: A Biblical Perspective

Huckabee, a Southern Baptist pastor and vocal advocate of Israel, stated his preference for biblical terminology, calling the region Judea and Samaria rather than the West Bank. “I tell people there is no ‘occupation.’ It is a land that is ‘occupied’ by the people who have had a rightful deed to the place for 3,500 years, since the time of Abraham,” Huckabee said.

He expressed confidence in Trump’s pro-Israel “dream team,” assembled to ensure events like the October 7 Hamas massacre are never repeated. Reflecting on his recent visit to Israel, Huckabee shared his commitment to standing with Israel: “I asked myself how in the world could we do anything but stand with our Jewish friends to make sure they know they will never stand alone.”

Huckabee described his selection as ambassador as deeply meaningful, calling it a calling to promote stability, security, and peace. “This job is the one thing I could say to, like Isaiah, ‘Here am I.’”

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