Trump Nominates Christian Zionist Mike Huckabee as Israel Envoy, Signals Stronger U.S.-Israel Ties

Washington, D.C. – President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his nomination of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee for the ambassadorship to Israel. Huckabee, a prominent supporter of Israel and evangelical Christian Zionist, is expected to play a significant role in shaping U.S.-Israel relations under Trump’s second term. He is also the father of Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Trump’s former White House press secretary and current Arkansas governor.

Huckabee’s nomination has resonated with the GOP’s Christian Zionist base, a group that believes modern Israel fulfills biblical prophecy and that America’s fate is closely intertwined with the nation. A former Baptist minister and figure in Christian media, Huckabee has long been a vocal advocate for Israel, aligning closely with Trump’s vision for U.S.-Israel ties. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East!” Trump posted online, reinforcing his confidence in Huckabee’s ability to strengthen this critical alliance.

Sandra Parker, chairwoman of the Christians United for Israel Action Fund, welcomed the decision, praising Huckabee’s deep-rooted belief in Israel’s right to self-determination and defense. “Gov. Mike Huckabee believes in Israel’s right to self-determination and defense, not because it is politically convenient to do so but because these are immutable tenets of his core beliefs,” Parker said. “Whether serving his congregation as a pastor or his constituents as governor, Huckabee has both the heart and mind for this ambassadorship and we know he will work tirelessly to ensure the relationship between America and Israel remains stronger than ever.”

David Friedman, Trump’s former ambassador to Israel during his first term, was similarly enthusiastic about the pick. “It speaks volumes to the importance and priority that President Trump places on the U.S.-Israel relationship that he selected his Ambassador to Israel within one week of his election,” Friedman said. “And the selection itself — Mike Huckabee is one of Israel’s greatest friends — tells us that the days of public daylight between the U.S. and Israel are about to end!”

Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, called Huckabee “an excellent choice” for the role. He commended Huckabee’s strong commitment to Israel, grounded in his religious convictions and understanding of shared values and security concerns between the U.S. and Israel.

The nomination of Huckabee, a longstanding Christian Zionist, is likely to cement Trump’s support among evangelical conservatives and could signal a renewed commitment to Israel’s interests. Huckabee’s advocacy for Israel has been evident throughout his political and public career, and his appointment is expected to align the U.S. with Israel on key policy matters, emphasizing a period of close cooperation between the two nations.