Donald Trump, the United States President-elect, announced on November 12, 2024 that he has nominated former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee to serve as the United States Ambassador to Israel.

Trump praised Huckabee as a “great public servant” and a “Leader in Faith,” highlighting his longstanding support for Israel. In a statement, Trump expressed confidence that Huckabee would “work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.”

Huckabee, a vocal advocate for Israel throughout his career, has been a staunch defender of Israeli policies, including the controversial settlement expansion in the West Bank. He has repeatedly rejected terms like “settlement” and “occupation,” referring instead to Israeli territories in the West Bank as “Judea and Samaria,” biblical terms for the area.

Huckabee has also been deeply involved in promoting Israeli interests within evangelical Christian circles.

Israeli leaders, particularly from the political right, have welcomed Huckabee’s nomination.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a strong advocate for the annexation of West Bank settlements, praised Huckabee’s “consistent and loyal” friendship with Israel. Smotrich expressed confidence that Huckabee’s appointment would further strengthen Israel’s security and territorial claims.

Similarly, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar hailed Huckabee as a “longstanding friend” and expressed eagerness to deepen the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Huckabee has visited Israel numerous times, including a visit after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, and has led tours of the country for groups like Senior Adult Travel Inc.

His public stance on Israel has consistently aligned with right-wing Israeli politicians, and his appointment is seen as a significant step in fostering closer ties between the U.S. and Israel’s political and evangelical communities.

The nomination also highlights the Trump administration’s continued efforts to align closely with Israeli interests, particularly on issues such as settlement expansion and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.