Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as the ambassador to Israel, has a long history of rejecting the idea of a Palestinian state in territories previously seized by Israel. Huckabee has consistently shown unwavering support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and has been vocal about his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Huckabee firmly believes in a 'one-state solution,' asserting that the West Bank rightfully belongs to Israel based on his interpretation of biblical history. This position directly contradicts the traditional U.S. policy of supporting the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Throughout his political career, Huckabee has adamantly opposed a two-state solution, even when Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu briefly endorsed the concept in 2009. He has consistently rejected any proposal that would involve uprooting Israeli settlers from the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and east Jerusalem.
In a controversial statement, Huckabee once compared the Iran nuclear deal to the Holocaust, drawing criticism from Democrats. He has also expressed skepticism about the term 'Palestinians,' arguing that it was a label co-opted by Yasser Arafat in the 1960s.
Following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, Huckabee condemned the violence as 'horrific' and expressed outrage at the militant group's use of social media to showcase their atrocities. The attack resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and led to a significant escalation of violence in the region.
Despite facing criticism for his controversial statements and positions, Huckabee remains steadfast in his support for Israel and his rejection of a two-state solution. His nomination as ambassador to Israel has sparked debate and raised concerns about the future of U.S. policy in the Middle East.
