President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is his choice to be the next U.S. ambassador amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
Huckabee is a former presidential candidate and the father of Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who served as Trump’s White House press secretary and interviewed him onstage at a campaign rally.
“I am pleased to announce that the highly respected former Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee, has been nominated to be United States Ambassador to Israel,” Trump wrote, although he does not yet have the formal power to make nominations until he takes office. oath of office.
‘Mike has been a great public servant, governor and faith leader for many years. He loves Israel and the people of Israel, and in the same way, the people of Israel love him. ‘Mike will work tirelessly to achieve peace in the Middle East!’
Huckabee is a former Baptist pastor and his appointment reflects a long-standing interest among evangelical Christians in the fate of Israel. He is considered a staunch defender of Israel, at a time when it faces multiple threats.
Donald Trump announced former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as his choice to be the next US ambassador to Israel.
He prefers homespun language and frequently appears on Fox News selling products that include sleeping pills.
Trump has touted the Abraham Accords that increase ties between Israel and some of its Arab neighbors as one of the major achievements of his first term. He also touts his decision to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
He claims that Hamas would never have carried out the October 7 attacks inside Israel if he had been president.
Huckabee is the father of Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
Trump made the announcement on the day Israeli President Isaac Herzog (left) met with President Joe Biden.
Huckabee is considered a strong supporter of Israel.
Now, his administration will have to grapple with how to try to resolve Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.
Trump announced his decision as President Joe Biden hosted Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the White House.
The position requires Senate confirmation, but Republicans will take control of the chamber with a 53-47 majority.
The ambassadorship comes at a time of regional tensions and tensions in the relationship with the United States.
Israel and Iran have been trading attacks, with Israel launching airstrikes late last month in response to Tehran’s missile launches at Tel Aviv.
