WASHINGTON: On Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump declared that he has selected Mike Huckabee as the US ambassador to Israel in his next administration, placing a longtime admirer of that nation in a pivotal position.
In a statement, Trump praised the Christian pastor-turned-politician, saying, “Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years.” He has a deep affection for Israel and its people, and they reciprocate his feelings.
Gideon Saar, the foreign minister of Israel, congratulated Huckabee right after. Huckabee has previously stated that there is “no such thing as an occupation” in relation to Palestinian territory.
Minister Saar wrote to Huckabee on X, “I am excited to collaborate with you to enhance the connection between our peoples.” “I hope you will feel very welcome as a longtime friend of Israel and our eternal capital, Jerusalem.
The 69-year-old Huckabee made two unsuccessful runs for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination, including one in 2016 against eventual victor Donald Trump, whom Huckabee quickly backed after withdrawing from the contest. Huckabee, whose nomination needs to be confirmed by the US Senate, has led multiple tours of Israel and visited the country on a regular basis since 1973.
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