President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the next ambassador to Israel, selecting a staunchly pro-Israel conservative. This decision could foreshadow shifts in American foreign policy concerning the tumultuous conflicts in the Middle East.
Mr. Huckabee, an evangelical Christian, has been an unwavering supporter of Israel throughout his political journey. He’s consistently defended Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, earning him a reputation as a dedicated ally. “There’s no such thing as an occupation,” he remarked in a 2017 CNN interview, referencing the West Bank with its biblical names, Judea and Samaria.
The announcement of Mr. Huckabee’s nomination elicited enthusiastic responses from senior officials in Israel but is expected to face strong criticism from Palestinians. His past comments denigrating their nationalist aspirations haven’t gone unnoticed. “He loves Israel and its people, and the people of Israel reciprocate that love. Mike will work relentlessly to foster peace in the Middle East!” Trump emphasized in his statement.
At 69, Huckabee is poised to take on one of the most critical diplomatic positions, particularly as Israel currently engages in intense conflicts with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, all while contending with Iran, its arch-rival in the region.
Throughout his public life, Huckabee has openly criticized President Joe Biden for urging Israel to temper its response in the Gaza conflict and has opposed the administration’s requests for a ceasefire. “If you’re pro-Israel, how can you support Biden?” he questioned during a News Nation interview in March, reflecting on the administration’s stance on Hamas concessions.
The excitement in Israel was palpable following Trump’s announcement, especially from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition, which includes parties that fervently support Israeli settlements and oppose Palestinian statehood. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed his optimism: “I look forward to collaborating with you to strengthen our peoples’ bond.” He added, “As a steadfast friend of Israel and Jerusalem, our eternal capital, I hope you feel right at home here.”
Trump has shown unwavering support for Netanyahu’s objective of dismantling Hamas but has urged Israel to act swiftly. He promises to bring peace to the region, though the specifics of his plan remain unclear. If his previous term serves as any indication, it seems Mr. Trump will continue to advocate for a pronounced pro-Israel stance, a position that may extend beyond the solid support already expressed by Biden.
Huckabee’s deep ties to Israel are noteworthy; he has been leading evangelical tours there for many years and actively supports settlement expansion in the West Bank—territory that Palestinians see as essential to their desired independent state encompassing Gaza.
The stance of most of the global community is contrary to these settlement policies, as they view the expansion on lands occupied by Israel since the 1967 Middle East conflict as illegal.
Between 1996 and 2007, Huckabee served as the governor of Arkansas and pursued presidential nominations for the Republican party in both 2008 and 2016 without success. Interestingly, his daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, now serves as the governor of Arkansas and was previously Trump’s press secretary from 2017 to 2019.
This nomination may very well be a bellwether for U.S. engagement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict moving forward. As conversations about the future of the region continue, Huckabee’s known positions could shape diplomatic interactions significantly.
As Israeli and Palestinian narratives clash, it’s vital to realize that political moves like this one aren’t just about individuals. They’re about the much larger theatre of human lives affected daily by these conflicts. The discourse surrounding Huckabee’s nomination is only the tip of the iceberg in understanding the complex web of relations and the urgent need for viable solutions.
In conclusion, the imminent nomination of Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel is more than just a political appointment; it encapsulates the deep-seated passions and convictions that drive U.S.–Middle East relations today. With such a pivotal moment on the horizon, the eyes of many will be on how this unfolds in the international arena.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
