Mike Huckabee confirmed as Trump’s ambassador to Israel

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) as President Trump’s ambassador to Israel.

The upper chamber largely voted along party lines, with 53 in favor and 46 against. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) voted in favor of the nomination.

Democrats have largely united to reject Trump’s nominees over his policies seeking to reduce the size and scope of the federal government and foreign policy, in particular. This includes seeking to eliminate the U.S. Agency for International Development, ending some humanitarian assistance, antagonism toward allies and perceived favoritism toward adversaries, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But Huckabee’s nomination raised particular concern among Senate Democrats, for his outspoken support for his belief that Israel has a right to annex the West Bank and Gaza Strip, raising fears that such policies undermine the potential for a two-state solution to the Israel and Palestinian conflict.

Trump has held back a firm decision on whether he supports Israeli annexation or not, saying earlier this year he would make a decision within a matter of weeks. Trump has proposed that the U.S. take over the Gaza Strip, permanently displacing its Palestinian residents.

No Republicans signaled opposition to Huckabee’s nomination, assuring his passage.

Huckabee will arrive in Israel at one of the most fraught moments, where efforts are stalled to reimpose a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and secure the release of hostages held since Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack. Among those are American Israeli citizen, Edan Alexander.

Israel restarted military operations against Hamas last month, with both sides accusing the other of ceasefire violations. The ongoing fighting is threatening any progress Trump wants to achieve in normalizing relations between Jerusalem and Riyadh, an extension of his Abraham Accords deal.

All Arab countries have said a halt in the fighting and security for Palestinians is necessary before any more talks can be held on building ties with Israel. Having a U.S. ambassador in Israel is also viewed as critical as Trump embarks on high-stakes talks with Iran over its nuclear program.

Sen. James E. Risch (R-Idaho), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, spoke in favor of Huckabee’s confirmation 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.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.

The post Mike Huckabee confirmed as Trump’s ambassador to Israel appeared first on The Hill.