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 himself who is the father of Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who served as Trump’s White House press secretary and interviewed him on stage at a campaign rally.
‘I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected former Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee, has been nominated to be The United States Ambassador to Israel,’ Trump wrote, although he does not yet have the formal power to make nominations until he takes the oath of office.
It came as Trump announced a flurry of cabinet picks.
‘Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years. He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him. Mike will work tirelessly to bring about Peace in the Middle East!’
Huckabee is a former Baptist pastor, and his appointment reflects a longstanding interest by evangelical Christians in the fate of Israel. He is considered a staunch defender of Israel, at a time when it is facing multiple threats.
He favors home-spun language, and frequently turns up on Fox News selling products including sleep aids.
The maker of the Relaxium product he pitched settled a class action lawsuit in 2022 over claims it was ‘clinically proven’ to work.
Trump has touted the Abraham accords increasing ties between Israel and some of its Arab neighbors as one of the chief accomplishments of his first term. He also touts his decision to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
He claims Hamas would have never carried out the October 7 attacks inside Israel if he were president.
Now, his administration will have to deal with how to try to settle Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.
Trump announced his decision as President Joe Biden was hosting Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the White House.
The position requires Senate confirmation, but Republicans are set to take over the chamber with a 53-47 majority.
The ambassadorial position comes at a time of regional tensions and strains in the U.S. relationship.
Israel and Iran have been trading attacks, with Israel launching airstrikes late last month in response to Tehran firing missiles at Tel Aviv.
The current Arkansas governor issued a proud post.
‘Unbelievably proud that @realDonaldTrump nominated my dad @GovMikeHuckabee to be US Ambassador to Israel!’ she wrote. ‘I went to Israel for the first time with my dad when I was eleven and it changed my life. 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!’
