President Trump & Mike Huckabee in Drexel Hill, PA October 30th 2024 (video snippet)

President-Elect Donald Trump has taken a bold and historic step by appointing former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Huckabee, a seasoned ally and long-standing advocate for Israel, has devoted five decades to building relationships across the nation, visiting over 100 times, and leading countless Christian groups on tours to deepen their appreciation for Israel’s history, culture, and challenges.

A Staunch Supporter of Israel’s Sovereignty and Self-Defense

Huckabee's outspoken support for Israel has placed him among the nation’s strongest international allies. Unlike many diplomats, he has never hesitated to reject the media’s popular narratives regarding Israel’s right to exist and its security needs. In 2017, Huckabee participated in the cornerstone-laying ceremony of Maale Adumim, a city in Judea, which is often mischaracterized by international critics as an "illegal settlement." He dismissed these claims, pointing out that Maale Adumim was founded on lands legally held by Israel since Jordan relinquished its claims to Judea and Samaria in 1988, and prior to the signing of the Oslo Accords which left Israel responsible for administration and security in the area.

During his remarks at that ceremony, Huckabee famously declared, “There is no such thing as a West Bank. It’s Judea and Samaria… There’s no such thing as an occupation.” These words shocked critics and cemented Huckabee as a steadfast voice for Israel’s rightful claims in these territories. His reasoning is grounded not only in biblical and historical contexts but also in widely recognized international principles, such as the Uti Possidetis Juris, which grants Israel legitimate authority over these areas, a fact he has repeatedly defended on international stages.

An Unwavering Defender of Israel and the U.S.-Israel Alliance

Trump’s appointment of Huckabee highlights a commitment to strengthen the alliance between the U.S. and Israel while recognizing the deep bond that unites Evangelical Christians and the Jewish State. Huckabee’s voice is among the most influential in the Christian world, with millions tuning into his weekly show on TBN, the largest Christian television network in the U.S. His prominence on TBN has been a platform to combat misinformation about Israel, challenging the “avalanche of lies” propagated by the Iranian regime, biased global media, and hostile nations. Huckabee has never been shy about his views, describing Israel as a “vital oasis of democracy” in a region dominated by totalitarian regimes.

In appointing Huckabee, Trump is sending an unmistakable message that his administration will not repeat the missteps of past U.S. policies. Huckabee has been an outspoken critic of the Obama and Biden administrations' Mideast strategies, which he views as caving to pressures that ultimately harm Israel’s interests. His appointment marks the first time a non-Jewish ambassador has held the position in over 15 years, countering criticism from those who claim the role has been biased by personal loyalties rather than diplomatic expertise.

A Vision Beyond the Oslo Accords and the Two-State Solution

Huckabee’s deep knowledge of Israel and firm beliefs challenge the longstanding notion of a two-state solution as the only path to peace. In his view, Israeli concessions have been met with violence and rejections by Palestinian leaders. He openly questions the feasibility of a Palestinian state under current circumstances, stating that it’s time to recognize the failures of the Oslo Accords, which Palestinian leaders have manipulated to delay peace while amassing foreign aid.

Huckabee’s stance represents a shift from the traditional diplomatic position that has characterized U.S.-Israel relations since the Oslo Accords. By questioning the automatic acceptance of Palestinian statehood, Huckabee advocates for a reality where peace is not granted, but earned—where Israel’s security and stability take precedence over appeasing foreign critics.

A Decades-Long Personal and Professional Connection to Israel

Huckabee’s relationship with Israel goes far beyond that of a diplomat. Over the years, he has cultivated close friendships with key figures, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset members, and Israeli municipal leaders. His affinity for Israel has led him to visit the nation even during its most tumultuous periods, showing solidarity during times of conflict. During his latest trip in December, following the October 7 attack by Hamas, Huckabee expressed anger at the global media’s negative portrayal of Israel. “What happened on October 7 was revolting. I’m infuriated by how much of the world has turned against Israel.”

Since 1973, Huckabee has brought thousands of Christians to experience Israel firsthand, encouraging them to recognize Israel’s significance as a historical homeland for the Jewish people and a modern democracy worthy of respect. He has not hesitated to call out what he describes as a revisionist history that minimizes the ancient Jewish connection to the land of Israel, noting that even the term “Palestinian” is a recent construct popularized by Yasser Arafat in the 1960s.

Rejecting Myths and Misinformation About Israel’s Existence and Rights

Throughout his career, Huckabee has stood firm on Israel’s right to hold and defend the land acquired in defensive wars in 1948, 1967, and 1973. He has pointed to international legal standards that affirm Israel’s right to retain these territories, particularly in light of Jordan and Egypt’s formal renunciations of claims to these areas. For Huckabee, the historical record is clear: Israel, which arose from the remnants of the Ottoman Empire and gained statehood under international law, has every right to establish secure borders free from external pressure and misinformation.

In a recent podcast, Huckabee reiterated his stance, saying, “This is an extraordinary oasis in a land of totalitarianism surrounded by tyranny.” As an “unapologetic, unreformed Zionist,” he openly rejects the notion of a Palestinian state on territory he believes rightly belongs to Israel.

A New Direction in U.S. Policy Toward Israel

Trump’s choice of Huckabee signals a fresh, assertive approach that diverges from the status quo. By appointing a diplomat who unapologetically supports Israel’s claims to Judea and Samaria and questions the Palestinian leadership’s readiness for peace, Trump is setting a path that is uncompromising in its support for Israel. Huckabee’s appointment sends a resounding message: America stands unwaveringly with Israel and is prepared to defend it against a world increasingly hostile to the Jewish State.

In Mike Huckabee, Israel gains a seasoned ally, and the U.S. reaffirms a bond that is as much about shared values as it is about geopolitics. The appointment marks a significant milestone, sparking hope for a new era in Middle East diplomacy and reinforcing the unbreakable alliance between the United States and Israel.

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