Mike Huckabee Nominated as U.S. Ambassador to Israel by President-Elect Trump

President-elect Donald Trump has officially nominated former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel. In a statement released on Tuesday, Trump praised Huckabee's longstanding support for Israel, calling him a "great public servant, governor, and leader in faith." Trump highlighted Huckabee's deep connection to Israel and the Israeli people, emphasizing his tireless commitment to advancing peace in the Middle East.

Huckabee, a former Southern Baptist pastor and 2016 presidential candidate, has been an outspoken advocate for Israel throughout his career. He has visited Israel over 100 times and has long been involved with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, leading numerous missions and solidarity trips. His passionate defense of Israel's right to exist and thrive has earned him significant respect in both the U.S. and Israel.

Reacting to the news, Israeli leaders expressed their enthusiasm for Huckabee’s nomination. Danny Danon, Israel's Ambassador to the UN, congratulated Huckabee, calling him a “dear friend” and expressing his eagerness to work alongside him to strengthen the enduring bond between the two nations.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar echoed these sentiments, noting that Huckabee’s deep friendship with Israel would further solidify the relationship between the two countries. David Friedman, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel under Trump, also praised the nomination, calling Huckabee "one of Israel’s greatest friends" and stating that Trump's selection of Huckabee signals a renewed commitment to the U.S.-Israel alliance.

In a related development, Trump has officially named Jewish real estate investor and prominent campaign donor Steve Witkoff as his special envoy to the Middle East. In a statement released Tuesday, Trump praised Witkoff, highlighting his role as a "tireless voice for peace" and his strong support for Israel, especially in light of the recent tensions in the region.

Witkoff, a key fundraiser for Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign, has been an influential figure in the pro-Israel community, securing significant donations from Jewish donors. Trump noted that Witkoff’s dedication to the cause of peace in the Middle East would be a valuable asset in this new role.

In a May interview with The Bulwark, Witkoff shared his involvement in raising “six-figure and seven-figure donations” for Trump’s campaign, particularly after President Joe Biden announced a temporary pause on weapons shipments to Israel. Witkoff's advocacy for Israel has garnered significant attention, positioning him as a key figure in strengthening U.S.-Israel relations.

Witkoff’s Background and Vision for the Middle East

While Witkoff lacks formal diplomatic experience, his financial influence and connections within the Jewish community have made him a prominent supporter of Trump’s foreign policy initiatives. His attendance at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress in July was another demonstration of his commitment to supporting Israel. Witkoff described the speech as "strong and epic," and noted the "spiritual" experience of being in the room during Netanyahu's address.

Despite his lack of diplomatic experience, Witkoff's deep ties to Israel and pro-peace stance have earned him this prestigious role. As special envoy, Witkoff’s mission will focus on continuing to strengthen U.S.-Israel relations and promoting peace in the Middle East. His appointment signals Trump’s ongoing dedication to prioritizing Israel in U.S. foreign policy.

Trump’s Broader Cabinet Appointments

In addition to Witkoff’s appointment, Trump also announced plans to nominate Fox News Channel host Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. Hegseth, a veteran of the Army National Guard who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s “America First” agenda. In his statement, Trump emphasized that with Hegseth leading the Department of Defense, “America’s enemies are on notice.”