Who is Mike Huckabee, Trump’s Israel Ambassador?

Mike Huckabee Confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to Israel Amidst Divisive Reactions

On Tuesday, Mike Huckabee, the former Governor of Arkansas and Baptist minister, was confirmed as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel with a Senate vote of 53 to 46, reflecting a clear division along party lines. His nomination, announced shortly after the November elections by President Donald Trump, has sparked considerable debate about U.S. foreign policy regarding Israel and Palestine.

President Trump endorsed Huckabee, saying, “He loves Israel and the people of Israel,” and expressed his belief that Huckabee would work tirelessly toward achieving peace in the Middle East. However, the appointment has drawn criticism from many Democrats and various left-leaning groups. Critics have voiced concerns that Huckabee’s views on Israel and Palestinians are divisive and could harm American interests in the region. Notably, only one Democrat, Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania, broke ranks to support Huckabee’s nomination.

During his confirmation hearing, Huckabee detailed his long-standing connections to Israel, recounting that his first visit occurred in 1973, an experience that he described as deeply moving. He emphasized Israel’s significance, stating that it is “holy ground” for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Huckabee has consistently expressed strong support for Israel, grounded in his belief that God’s covenant with the Jewish people grants them rightful ownership of the land. Since 1981, he has led trips to Israel, bringing approximately 10,000 people to the country over the years and having visited it around 100 times.

Huckabee’s views on Palestinians have raised red flags among critics. During his 2008 presidential campaign, he controversially asserted, “There is no such thing as a Palestinian,” suggesting that the identity serves as a political tool to undermine Israel. He is a vocal advocate for Israeli settlement movements and participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a settlement in 2018, joking that he might be interested in purchasing a holiday home there.

His rejection of the terms “occupied” and “West Bank” in 2015 during a visit to Jerusalem highlighted his strong stance on the issue. Instead, Huckabee referred to the area as “Judea and Samaria,” reinforcing Israel’s territorial claims with biblical references. He has expressed opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state and supports Israeli annexation of the West Bank.

During his senate confirmation hearing, when questioned by leading Democrats regarding his past inflammatory comments about Palestinians, Huckabee refrained from defending his previous statements, asserting that he would adhere to and promote the policies of the administration rather than his personal viewpoints.

When examining the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Huckabee downplayed the humanitarian concerns arising from Israel’s aid restrictions in Gaza, stating that “massive supplies” had still entered the region and voiced support for Israel’s military actions, which utilize American-supplied weaponry.

The backlash against Huckabee’s confirmation has been significant, with more than 65 organizations—including faith-based groups and human rights advocates—urging senators to block his nomination. These groups, spanning Christian, Jewish, and Muslim affiliations, argue that Huckabee’s appointment could exacerbate tensions and hinder peace efforts.

American Jewish organizations are notably divided over Huckabee’s nomination. Some have called for opposition, including Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, while others, like the Zionist Organization of America, have publicly supported him.

Supporters of Huckabee’s appointment, including various members of the Trump administration, tout his long career in public service, highlighting his legacy of tax cuts, job creation initiatives, and health reform during his tenure as Arkansas Governor from 1996 to 2007. His experience as a well-known political commentator and host of a weekend television program on the Trinity Broadcasting Network further bolster his profile among conservatives.

As tensions continue to mount with Israel currently engaged in a conflict, Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized the necessity of Huckabee’s confirmation to reinforce U.S. support for Israel. Thune stated, “Ambassador Huckabee will be a strong and supportive voice for Israel and for America’s interests from his post in Jerusalem.”

Huckabee’s confirmation marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Israel relations as his views are likely to shape American diplomacy in the region during a time of heightened sensitivity and division. Whether he will be able to navigate these complexities while fostering dialogue remains a significant concern among critics and supporters alike.