US President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Mike Huckabee, former Arkansas governor and a steadfast supporter of Israel, as the next US ambassador to Israel. This nomination reflects Trump’s commitment to aligning his foreign policy with figures known for their pro-Israel views.
Huckabee’s Strong Pro-Israel Stance
Huckabee, 69, has been a prominent figure in evangelical Christian circles, advocating for Israel for decades. This nomination makes him the first non-Jew appointed to the position since James Cunningham under President George W. Bush in 2008. Trump emphasized Huckabee’s dedication: “He loves Israel, and the people of Israel love him. Mike will work tirelessly to bring about Peace in the Middle East!”
Huckabee’s connection to Israel began with his initial visit in 1973, after which he frequently led tours and advocated for Israeli sovereignty over contested areas. In a 2017 statement at Ma’ale Adumim, he said, “There is no such thing as a West Bank — It’s Judea and Samaria… They’re communities, they’re neighborhoods, they’re cities. There’s no such thing as an occupation.”
Key Events and Stances
| Year/Occasion | Event/Statement |
|---|---|
| 1973 | First visit to Israel, initiating a lifelong connection. |
| 2017 (Ma’ale Adumim) | Denounced the term “West Bank,” emphasizing Israel’s right to the land. |
| 2018 (Efrat) | Laid bricks for a new housing project, showing tangible support for settlement expansion. |
| December 2023 (Kibbutz Kfar Aza) | Toured the kibbutz impacted by the October 7 Hamas attack, reinforcing solidarity with Israel. |
| Critique of Biden (2023) | Criticized President Joe Biden for pressuring Israel to limit military actions against Hamas. |
Huckabee has also expressed skepticism regarding Palestinian nationalism, arguing against the historical legitimacy of a distinct Palestinian identity. In 2008, he said, “There’s really no such thing as a Palestinian… That’s been a political tool to try to force land away from Israel.”
Support from Key Figures
Huckabee’s appointment has garnered positive reactions from allies. David Friedman, Trump’s ambassador to Israel during his first term, praised Huckabee as a “true leader.” Yossi Dagan, Samaria Regional Council mayor, also expressed his support, highlighting Huckabee’s alignment with settlement movement interests.
Steven Witkoff’s Appointment
In addition to Huckabee, Trump announced real estate investor Steven Witkoff as a special envoy to the Middle East. Although Witkoff lacks direct diplomatic experience, he has long-standing ties to Trump and acted as a link to the Jewish business community during Trump’s campaign. Trump stated, “Steve is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy… Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE.”
| Position | Appointee | Background |
|---|---|---|
| US Ambassador to Israel | Mike Huckabee | Former Arkansas governor, pro-Israel advocate |
| Special Envoy to the Middle East | Steven Witkoff | Real estate investor, Trump associate |
Witkoff’s nomination is reminiscent of Trump’s previous appointment of Jared Kushner, who, despite limited experience, played a key role in brokering the Abraham Accords.
Trump’s Appointments
Huckabee and Witkoff are part of a series of strategic nominations by Trump, including New York Rep. Elise Stefanik for UN ambassador and Rep. Mike Walz for national security adviser. These appointments align with Trump’s vision for foreign policy that emphasizes strong alliances and pro-Israel stances.
The appointments of Mike Huckabee and Steven Witkoff reinforce Trump’s pro-Israel approach as he prepares for his administration. Huckabee’s long-standing support for Israel and Witkoff’s business acumen point to a US foreign policy prioritizing strong ties with Israel and a focus on Middle Eastern peace efforts.
FAQs
Who is Mike Huckabee?
Mike Huckabee is a former Arkansas governor and strong supporter of Israel, nominated as US ambassador to Israel.
What is Huckabee’s stance on the West Bank?
Huckabee refers to the West Bank as ‘Judea and Samaria’ and rejects the term ‘occupation.’
Who is Steven Witkoff?
Witkoff is a real estate investor nominated as a special envoy to the Middle East.
What notable event did Huckabee attend in 2023?
He visited Kibbutz Kfar Aza after the October 7 Hamas attack to show support.
How do Huckabee and Witkoff’s roles align with Trump’s policy?
Their appointments strengthen Trump’s pro-Israel and peace-focused policy in the Middle East.
