Trump Nominates Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as US Ambassador to Israel

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the next US ambassador to Israel, emphasising Huckabee’s dedication to fostering Middle East peace. Trump announced the nomination on Tuesday, expressing confidence in Huckabee’s commitment.

“Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years,” Trump, 78, stated. “He loves Israel, and the people of Israel love him. He will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.”

Huckabee, who served as governor of Arkansas from 1997 to 2006, will succeed Ambassador Jacob Lew, who served under President Biden. Getty Images

The nomination was confirmed following a direct phone call from Trump, according to sources close to the discussion. Huckabee, a two-time Republican presidential candidate, said he was “still in shock” over the offer. The nomination marks Huckabee’s first for an official post in Trump’s administration after previously being rumoured for the role in Trump’s first term, which ultimately went to attorney David Friedman.

“I am thrilled by President Trump’s nomination of Governor Mike Huckabee as the next Ambassador to Israel,” Friedman said, praising Huckabee as a “dear friend” and extending his full support.

Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, was among the first to respond publicly, voicing his support on social media. Huckabee will succeed Ambassador Jacob Lew, who served under President Biden.

The timing of Huckabee’s nomination is critical, as Israel is currently engaged in its 13th month of conflict with Hamas, sparked by a deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israeli civilians, which claimed 1,200 lives, including 46 Americans. The conflict has escalated into a broader regional dispute involving Iran-backed forces such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis, while direct missile exchanges between Iran and Israel continue.

Former US Ambassador to Israel David M. Friedman speaks during The Jerusalem Post New York conference on June 03, 2024 in New York City.

Trump criticised the Biden administration’s handling of the situation, stating that the war “would never have happened if I was president.” He pointed to changes in Iran’s financial standing, alleging that “Iran had no money” during his administration but now “has $250 billion” due to recent policy shifts.

Jewish American support for Trump surged in the 2024 election, with around 32% of Jewish voters casting their ballots for him — the highest level of Jewish support for a Republican presidential candidate since George H.W. Bush, according to data from the Fox News Voter Analysis and the Jewish Virtual Library.

Huckabee’s daughter, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, took to social media to express pride in her father’s nomination, recalling a childhood trip to Israel that deeply impacted her. “There is no one President Trump could have picked with a greater love for the Israeli people and commitment to the unbreakable bond between America and Israel than him,” she wrote.

Huckabee is widely recognised as a staunch supporter of Israel and a trusted Trump ally. His nomination has been lauded by evangelical and pro-Israel groups.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who is currently Arkansas’ governor, could hardly contain her excitement, posting on X that she was “unbelievably proud” of her dad. Josh Morgan / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Sandra Hagee Parker, chairwoman of the Christians United for Israel Action Fund, expressed strong support, saying, “Gov. Mike Huckabee believes in Israel’s right to self-determination and defence, not because it is politically convenient but because it aligns with his core beliefs.”

The Republican Jewish Coalition praised the selection, emphasising Huckabee’s commitment to Israel’s security, which they described as “second to none.” They added, “As the Jewish state continues to fight an existential war for survival against Iran and its terrorist proxies, Governor Huckabee will represent America’s ironclad commitment to Israel’s security with distinction.”

Reps for Huckabee waited to respond to a request for further comment.

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