Mike Huckabee Sworn in as US Ambassador to Israel
Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee became America’s top diplomat to Israel Wednesday, taking his oath of office in a state Capitol ceremony that almost didn’t happen.
The Senate approved his nomination Monday by seven votes with Democrats attempting to block it. Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman provided the only crossover vote, joining 52 Republicans to confirm President Trump’s choice for the sensitive diplomatic post.
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Huckabee’s love for Israel is authentic. The well-known Christian has been to Israel over 100 times and already met with Israel’s top leaders over the years. “My love for Israel started decades ago,” Huckabee said after the ceremony.
His daughter and another staunch supporter of the Jewish state, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, stood nearby as her father placed his hand on the family Bible.
He leaves for Jerusalem next week to present his credentials amid regional turmoil and ongoing peace negotiations.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called the appointment a boost to “the unbreakable bond between our nations.” Huckabee’s response came via social media, promising to “pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.”
The former governor faces immediate challenges. Peace talks have stalled as the terrorist group Hamas resumed a weakened rocket attack. But Gaza residents seem to have had enough, recently taking to the streets demanding Hamas release all the hostages to end the war.
His stance on Hamas has won praise in Israel, particularly among conservative circles and settlement communities. The Jerusalem Post highlighted his years defending the Jewish right to live in their ancestral homeland, including Judea and Samaria –referred to in the media as the “West Bank.” Hamas is “not a government, it’s not a standing army — it is a terrorist organization and they must be treated as such,” he told Congress last month.
“I’m praying that God will bring about that kind of alignment in the Middle East that will touch the world,” Huckabee said before leaving the Capitol. The ceremony marked his transition from Baptist minister and political figure to chief American envoy in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
State Department officials confirmed Huckabee will take up residence in Jerusalem, as required by the Jerusalem Embassy Act. His predecessor stepped down in February amid mounting regional tensions.
The appointment marks the first time a former presidential candidate will serve as America’s ambassador to Israel. Huckabee ran unsuccessful campaigns for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016.
–Dwight Widaman
