President-elect Donald Trump has selected former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as his choice for the U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Trump praised Huckabee as a "great public servant" and highlighted his strong friendship with Israelis. Huckabee, a Southern Baptist pastor, has visited Israel over 100 times and has been a vocal supporter of the country.
In a podcast episode for the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, Huckabee emphasized the importance of the relationship between Christians and Jews, stating that it is a biblical mandate to stand with the Jewish people. Following a brutal attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians, Huckabee condemned the violence as "the worst level of evil" and visited a kibbutz that had been targeted by terrorists.
During his visit to Israel, Huckabee expressed his solidarity with the Jewish people, stating that standing with Israel is crucial in the face of chaos and destruction. He emphasized that the destruction caused by human actions is far more devastating than natural disasters, and called for unwavering support for Israel in the face of violence and terrorism.
Huckabee has also been a staunch advocate for Israel's claim to Judea and Samaria, rejecting the term "settlements" and instead referring to the disputed areas as communities, neighborhoods, and cities. He has argued that Israel's historical connection to the region is stronger than America's connection to Manhattan.
In a 2017 interview with CNN, Huckabee reiterated his support for Israel's claim to Judea and Samaria, emphasizing the historical significance of the region. He rejected the notion of a "West Bank" and advocated for using the traditional term "Judea and Samaria" to describe the area.