The appointment of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the next U.S. ambassador to Israel has received enthusiastic support from Israeli settler communities and advocates of the country’s territorial claims in the West Bank.
Huckabee, an Evangelical Christian who has previously expressed his belief that God granted historic Palestine to the modern state of Israel, is a strong advocate for Israel’s expansion in the occupied West Bank, which he refers to as Judea and Samaria. He also has a close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Following the appointment, Yishai Fleisher, spokesperson for the Jewish Community of Hebron, expressed excitement, calling Huckabee a “great friend to Israel.”
“We are very excited about Mike Huckabee. Governor Huckabee is an amazing person, both in his spiritual and political awareness,” Fleisher told Newsweek. “He’s a great friend to Israel. He truly understands the issues, has a heart for the people of this region, and …