OAN Staff James Meyers
2:48 PM – Wednesday, April 9, 2025
The Senate on Wednesday announced that former Arkansas GOP Governor Mike Huckabee, an ordained Southern Baptist pastor, will be President Donald Trump’s U.S. ambassador to Israel.
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In a 53-46 vote, the Senate confirmed Huckabee, with Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) being the only Democrat that voted in favor of the nomination. No Republicans opposed Huckabee’s nomination.
Huckabee has been a known vocal supporter of Israel throughout his time in politics, as well as a defender of Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
Meanwhile, left-wing critics of Huckabee claim that he is “too strong” of a supporter of Israel to represent the United States. Additionally, Senate Democrats are reportedly alarmed by Huckabee’s nomination due to his vocal defense of his view that Israel has the right to annex the West Bank and Gaza Strip — which they fear “could jeopardize the possibility of a two-state solution” to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
On the other hand, supporters of the former governor argue that Huckabee is a great choice for Israel’s U.S. ambassador since he is extremely familiar with Israel and well-versed in the nation’s culture — as he has visited the Jewish State over 100 times.
Trump has not explicitly stated whether or not he supports Israeli annexation, saying earlier this year that he would make a decision within a few weeks. Trump has repeatedly proposed that the U.S. should take over and even “own” the Gaza Strip — while rebuilding the war-torn area.
With the recent confirmation, Huckabee’s upcoming arrival in Israel coincides with one of the most turbulent periods, as both sides have reached an impasse in efforts to reinstate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This visit also comes at a critical moment — as Israel seeks to negotiate the release of hostages taken during Hamas’ October 7th terrorist attack.
Last month, the Jewish State restarted military operations against the Islamist terrorist group, with both sides accusing the other of violating the ceasefire agreements.
Nonetheless, the presence of a U.S. ambassador in Israel will be regarded as a pivotal step, especially as Trump prepares to take on high-stakes negotiations with Iran on Saturday regarding its nuclear program.
Senator James E. Risch (R-Idaho), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, spoke in favor of Huckabee’s confirmation on Friday.
“I have no doubt Gov. Huckabee is that person, and he will work alongside President Trump and Secretary of [State Marco] Rubio and our friends in Israel to bring peace to a turbulent region and ensure both American and Israeli hostages are brought home from the clutches of Hamas,” he said.
Israel is considered the United States’ closest ally and largest single trading partner. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has visited Trump at the White House twice since he took back the presidency.
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