Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee might be nominated because the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, President-elect Trump stated Tuesday.
Huckabee is a longtime supporter of Israel and a critic of the Biden administration’s dealing with of the Israel-Hamas warfare in Gaza. He has beforehand spoken out towards efforts to barter a ceasefire deal and known as unauthorized settlements within the occupied West Financial institution “communities.”
“Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years,” Trump wrote in an announcement saying the transfer. “He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him. Mike will work tirelessly to bring about Peace in the Middle East!”
Huckabee was a longtime evangelical minister earlier than operating for political workplace and often leads “The Israel Experience” journeys that take tour teams to websites with Biblical and historic significance, just like the Sea of Galilee, the Backyard of Gethsemane and the Outdated Metropolis of Jerusalem.
In Jan. 2017, days earlier than Trump took workplace the primary time, Huckabee spoke within the West Financial institution in entrance of a banner vowing to “Build Israel Great Again” whereas touting the coverage shift Trump’s administration would convey.
There are specific phrases I refuse to make use of,” he said “There isn’t any such factor as a West Financial institution – it is Judea and Samaria. There is no such factor as a settlement. They’re communities. They’re neighborhoods. They’re cities. There is no such factor as an occupation.”
Huckabee’s selection comes as Israel’s conflicts against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon continue.
On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly claimed the war in Gaza would not have happened if he were in charge, and vowed to be Israel’s “protector” if elected, whereas additionally typically criticizing Jewish voters that assist Democrats.