Donald Trump announced the appointment of Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas and a member of the conservative Christian right, to the post of ambassador of the United States to Israel. This appointment, which still requires Senate confirmation, is in line with the pro-Israel policy adopted by Donald Trump during his previous term. The president-elect praised Mike Huckabee as a man ”respected by the people of Israel” and committed to bringing peace back to the Middle East.
Mike Huckabee, 69 years old, is a Baptist priest-turned-politician and is an enthusiastic defender of Israel’s interests, especially in the context of settlements on the West Bank. In 2015, he declared that he did not consider this territory to be “occupied”, but as a biblical region which he calls ”Judea and Samaria”, a terminology used by Israeli nationalist currents. During a 2017 visit to the Maale Adumim settlement, he said: “The West Bank is not occupied. There are communities, neighborhoods, cities. There is no occupation. »
Israeli officials welcome appointment
Some Israeli officials welcomed his appointment, showing their enthusiasm for a diplomat seen as a loyal ally. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar sent his congratulations on social media, expressing hope that Mike Huckabee would feel “at home” in Jerusalem. The minister on the right, Bezalel Smotrich, emphasized for his part that Mike Huckabee “supports the settlement process” and said he was sure that it would contribute to strengthening “the security of Israel and our control over all its spaces”.
But this appointment comes in the context of heightened tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. Mike Huckabee went to Kibbutz Kfar Aza in October 2023, after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, to show his support for the “Jewish people”. Far from being a moderate figure, he embodies a political position aligned with Israel’s right-wing projects, particularly the annexation of settlements in the West Bank. Israel Gantz, president of the Yesha Council, the main organization representing the settlers, also welcomed the appointment, thanking Donald Trump for this “good choice”. According to him, Mike Huckabee is “an old friend of the Israeli settlements”.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Middle East Policy Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. With the recent announcement of Mike Huckabee’s appointment as the U.S. ambassador to Israel, there’s a lot to unpack. To help us make sense of this development, we have Dr. Sarah Cohen, a Middle East policy expert and a seasoned scholar on U.S.-Israel relations. Welcome, Dr. Cohen!
Dr. Sarah Cohen: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this significant appointment.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. Huckabee, as we know, has long been an advocate for Israel. What do you make of his appointment in relation to Trump’s pro-Israel policy?
Dr. Sarah Cohen: Huckabee’s appointment is a continuation of the previous administration’s strong pro-Israel stance. During his time as governor and beyond, he has consistently pushed policies that favor Israeli interests, particularly regarding settlements in the West Bank. This aligns seamlessly with Trump’s approach, which often emphasized unconditional support for Israel.
Time.news Editor: The support for settlements in the West Bank is a contentious issue. How might Huckabee’s stance affect U.S. relations with the Palestinians and broader Middle Eastern politics?
Dr. Sarah Cohen: Huckabee’s unwavering support for settlements could further strain U.S.-Palestinian relations. It often sends a message that the U.S. does not prioritize Palestinian rights or claims to the territory. This could hinder peace negotiations, as the Palestinians may see such appointments as further confirmation that their interests are not being considered in the U.S. diplomatic agenda.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned peace negotiations. Huckabee was described as committed to “bringing peace back to the Middle East.” Given his past comments and beliefs, do you think that is a realistic expectation?
Dr. Sarah Cohen: That’s indeed a critical question. While Huckabee may be viewed as a respected figure among some Israelis, his long-standing views on settlements and the political landscape in Israel raise concerns about his ability to engage in sincere negotiations. Peace in the region often requires a balancing act between Israeli and Palestinian interests, and Huckabee’s past rhetoric suggests he might lean heavily towards the former.
Time.news Editor: It seems like there may already be echoes of dissenting opinions regarding this appointment. How do you expect this nomination to fare in the Senate confirmation process?
Dr. Sarah Cohen: The Senate confirmation will likely be contentious, especially with a Democratic majority currently in place. Senators who advocate for a more balanced approach to U.S.-Israel relations might challenge Huckabee’s views. His strong alignment with the evangelical Christian right could also raise eyebrows among more moderate members of the Senate who have different visions for U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East.
Time.news Editor: That brings us to the political dynamics at play. How does Huckabee’s evangelical background and influence factor into the larger conversation about U.S. policy toward Israel?
Dr. Sarah Cohen: Evangelical support for Israel plays a significant role in American politics, particularly within the Republican Party. Huckabee embodies this connection—he sees the U.S. support for Israel as rooted in religious beliefs. This theological perspective not only inspires certain voter bases but also shapes policy discussions. However, it can also alienate more secular or diverse groups who may oppose conditional support based on faith alone.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Cohen. As a final thought, what might be the long-term implications of Huckabee’s appointment if confirmed?
Dr. Sarah Cohen: If confirmed, Huckabee’s ambassadorial role could solidify a more uncompromising U.S. stance on Israeli issues, which may impact the broader peace process. The long-term implications could manifest in deeper tensions between Israel and its neighbors and possibly among U.S. political factions. Achieving lasting peace will require adaptability and openness to dialogue—a question of whether Huckabee will embrace those principles remains to be seen.
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Dr. Cohen. It’s always a pleasure to have your expertise with us as we navigate these complex issues.
Dr. Sarah Cohen: Thank you for having me. I look forward to our next discussion!