President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday afternoon that he has chosen former Arkansas governor and outspoken pro-Israel advocate Mike Huckabee to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Israel. The appointment comes at a time when the Jewish state is engaged in a multi-front war against Iranian-backed terrorist groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah.
In a statement, Trump praised Huckabee's long-standing support for Israel, highlighting his deep personal and political commitment to the country. “Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years,” Trump said. “He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and the people of Israel love him. Mike will work tirelessly to bring about Peace in the Middle East!”
Huckabee, a former Republican presidential candidate, is known for his strong Evangelical Christian values, his support for Israel, and his staunch loyalty to Trump. A Southern Baptist pastor, Huckabee has long advocated for the unbreakable bond between the U.S. and Israel, making him a natural choice for this pivotal diplomatic post. His daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the current governor of Arkansas and former White House press secretary, expressed pride in her father's selection. On social media, she wrote: “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. Love you dad!”
While Huckabee’s appointment is expected to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate after Trump takes office, his selection signals a continuation of Trump’s pro-Israel foreign policy. Throughout his tenure, Trump sought to strengthen ties with Israel, including recognizing Jerusalem as its capital and moving the U.S. Embassy there. Huckabee’s appointment further aligns with this approach, especially as tensions rise in the Middle East, with Israel on high alert following Hamas’s brutal October 2023 attack and ongoing clashes with Hezbollah.
A staunch defender of Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, Huckabee has made numerous trips to Israel over the years, often leading Evangelical Christian groups on tours of the Holy Land. His support for Israel is rooted in both religious and political convictions. Huckabee has been vocal in asserting Israel’s claim to disputed territories like the West Bank, a position that aligns him with the far-right factions of Israeli politics.
During a trip to Israel last December, Huckabee spoke out strongly against the atrocities committed by Hamas, calling them "evil" acts carried out by those who had “acted like something other than human beings.” His support for Israel's security and its right to protect itself is well known among Evangelical Christians, a key voting bloc for Trump.
Huckabee’s appointment is part of a broader effort by Trump to appoint staunchly pro-Israel officials to key national security positions. Trump’s choice for National Security Adviser, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), a decorated military veteran, has a history of advocating for aggressive counterterrorism policies. Meanwhile, Trump’s pick for Secretary of State, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), is another vocal supporter of Israel’s right to defend itself, particularly against the threats posed by Hamas and Hezbollah.
Trump’s pick for U.N. Ambassador, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), has also emerged as a leading voice in the fight against campus antisemitism. Last year, she spearheaded efforts to hold university leaders accountable for failing to address anti-Israel and antisemitic activities on college campuses. Her appointment further emphasizes Trump’s resolve to combat anti-Israel sentiment both at home and abroad.
As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, he has made it clear that his administration will prioritize an unwavering commitment to Israel, including supporting its security objectives in the face of Iranian-backed terrorism. Trump’s foreign policy legacy is expected to center heavily on strengthening the U.S.-Israel alliance and maintaining strong diplomatic and military ties with the Jewish state.
