Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas, recently criticized the U.S. for exerting pressure on Israel rather than holding Hamas accountable for its actions. Appearing on NewsNation’s “On Balance,” Huckabee pointed out the absurdity of the situation, noting, “We have seven American hostages being held by Hamas, yet the U.S. is putting more pressure on Israel than on the Iranian-funded terrorists who butchered Jewish civilians.
I can’t comprehend.” He also expressed confusion over protests supporting Hamas, calling them illogical. These remarks come shortly after President-elect Trump appointed Huckabee as his pick for ambassador to Israel, a position that will carry significant diplomatic weight amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Newly appointed ambassador Mike Huckabee shares his vision for Middle East diplomacy
Huckabee emphasized during his interview with Leland Vittert that his primary goal would be to secure the release of the hostages. He made it clear that, “Those hostages must be released and accounted for, and then, and only then should Israel or anyone else even entertain (the idea of a cease-fire).”
While discussing the responsibilities of an ambassador on Morning in America, Huckabee explained that his role would not involve creating policy. “An ambassador doesn’t get to make policy. He’s there to represent the policy,” he said. “An ambassador serves at the pleasure of the president.”
Huckabee’s nomination comes as the conflict between Israel and Hamas enters its 13th month. The war in Gaza, which has resulted in widespread devastation, has led to 44,056 deaths, according to local health authorities.
More than half of the casualties are women and children, and over 2.3 million people have been displaced from their homes. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages.
In a further development, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants earlier this week for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and a Hamas official.
