Close ally and former governor of Arkansas, Huckabee depends on Senate approval to take office
The president-elect (Republican Party) announced this Tuesday (12.Nov.2024) the appointment of Mike Huckabee as United States ambassador to Israel. Former governor of Arkansas and prominent figure in American conservatism, Huckabee has already criticized current president Joe Biden (Democratic Party) for asking Tel Aviv to moderate its conduct of the war in the Gaza Strip.
“He loves Israel and the people of Israel, and the people of Israel love him in the same way.”Trump wrote. The president also highlighted his confidence in Huckabee to “work tirelessly for peace in the Middle East”.
Huckabee is the father of Sarah Huckabee Sanders (Republican Party), former White House press secretary and current governor of Arkansas. The state, which has 6 votes in the electoral college, has been a Republican stronghold since 1996, when then-president Bill Clinton (Democratic Party), a native of Arkansas, ran for re-election. The State began to support the Republican Party in all subsequent elections.
The appointment takes place during increased tensions in the Middle East, caused by the conflict between Israel and Hamas. For Republicans, Huckabee’s political experience and commitment to Israel are seen as fundamental to promoting stability and seeking diplomatic solutions in the region.
In the United States, it is up to the president to nominate ambassadors, but confirmation depends on Senate approval.
