Mike Huckabee confirmed as US ambassador to Israel amid controversy
Mike Huckabee, ex-Arkansas governor and vocal Israel supporter, confirmed as US ambassador (Photo: Getty Images)
Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee has officially been confirmed as the new US ambassador to Israel, despite criticism over his past statements about Palestinians and support for Israeli settlements in disputed territories, reports BBC.
Democrats push back against controversial nominee
Huckabee — an evangelical Christian and longtime ally of Israel — was approved by the Senate in a 53-46 vote, with only one Democrat, John Fetterman, crossing party lines in support.
Most Democrats voiced strong opposition. Senator Jerry Nadler called Huckabee "woefully unfit" and pointed to his 2017 statement claiming "there’s no such thing as a Palestinian."
During his confirmation hearing, Huckabee attempted to walk back previous remarks, stating he would "carry out the president’s priorities, not my own," and denying support for the expulsion of Palestinians.
His appointment comes at a tense moment in the region, with no ceasefire agreement in Gaza and hostages still held by Hamas.
Huckabee has also voiced support for annexing the occupied West Bank — a view shared by far-right Israeli figures.
Washington and Tel Aviv tighten diplomatic ties
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the decision, calling Huckabee a "dear friend," while Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said the nomination would "strengthen the unbreakable bond between our nations."
President Trump added, "He’s going to be fantastic. He’ll bring home the bacon — even if bacon isn’t too big in Israel."
Huckabee’s confirmation follows last week’s Senate approval of another Trump pick — former acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker — as US ambassador to NATO, raising concerns among allies about the administration’s direction in foreign and security policy.
