Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is the choice to be the next U.S. ambassador to Israel in the incoming Trump administration, President-elect Trump announced on Tuesday.
Huckabee, an ordained Baptist minister, is another in a growing list of strong Israel supporters announced or reported to be in Trump’s next administration. Trump has promised to strengthen U.S. ties with Israel as it fights wars against Iran-backed terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah.
“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 said in a statement.
“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 served as the 44th governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007. He previously sought the Republican nomination for president in both 2008 and 2016, winning the 2008 Iowa caucuses in a surprise victory. Between presidential runs, Huckabee was the host of the Fox News show “Huckabee” from 2008 to 2015.
He is the father of current Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who formerly served as White House press secretary in the first Trump administration.
Sanders said she was “unbelievably proud” to learn that her father was nominated to serve in the Trump administration.
“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,” she posted on X. “Love you dad!”
