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Mike Huckabee Reflects on His Appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Israel: “It’s Not About a Title or Federal Paycheck”
Edited by: Fern Sidman
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee recently discussed his upcoming appointment as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel on his television program, shedding light on the personal and professional motivations behind his decision to accept the role. A report on the Vois Es Nais website said that according to Huckabee, his choice was not driven by the allure of a government title or salary but by a deep-seated commitment to supporting Israel and advancing peace in the Middle East.
Huckabee details Trump’s call on nomination for ambassador to Israel.
“I have not lobbied or asked him for the job. Others suggested it, and I guess he thought it was the right thing.
“But it was the only appointment that I would have really had an interest in.” pic.twitter.com/Zfu9MW3bIK
— Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) November 17, 2024
Speaking candidly, Huckabee explained, “It was not about getting a title or federal paycheck. It’s about the opportunity to play a strategic role in the safety and security of Israel and for the Jewish people. And hoping to expand President Trump’s historic Abraham Accords…and hopefully securing a lasting safety and security in the Middle East.” Vois Es Nais reported that Huckabee emphasized the deeply personal nature of this role, recounting his long-standing connection to Israel.
Huckabee revealed that his bond with Israel began nearly five decades ago when he visited the country for the first time as a 17-year-old in July 1973, just months before the Yom Kippur War. “It’s deeply personal to me,” he said, according to the information provided in the Vois Es Nais report, as he reflected on how his experiences during that trip shaped his lifelong support for Israel. Huckabee made it clear that no other government position would have interested him, underscoring his singular focus on this specific ambassadorship.
Indicated in the Vois Es Nais report was that Huckabee admitted that the decision to take on this new role came with significant sacrifices. “I got plenty to do,” he said, listing his numerous responsibilities, including hosting television shows, owning radio stations, and managing consulting roles. “And by the way, I’m going to have to take a dramatic pay cut to do this job.” Despite these challenges, Huckabee expressed confidence in his ability to contribute meaningfully to Israel’s safety and the broader goal of regional stability.
Huckabee praised the Abraham Accords as a pivotal step toward Middle Eastern peace, crediting former President Donald Trump with brokering the historic agreements. “It’s about the opportunity to play a strategic role in the safety and security of Israel,” Huckabee reiterated, as was noted in the Vois Es Nais report. He added that his primary focus would be expanding the accords and ensuring lasting security for Israel and its neighbors.
According to the report on the Vois Es Nais website, Huckabee’s appointment has drawn speculation about its origins. Rumors suggest that Miriam Adelson, an Israeli billionaire and prominent supporter of Trump, played a key role in recommending Huckabee for the position. Adelson, along with her late husband Sheldon Adelson, has long been an influential figure in U.S.-Israel relations and a vocal backer of Trump’s policies.
While Huckabee noted that he had not personally lobbied for the role, he expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by Trump. “Others suggested it to Trump, and I guess he thought it was the right thing,” Huckabee said, as per the information in the Vois Es Nais report.
As he prepares to assume his new responsibilities, Huckabee’s remarks reflect a deep commitment to fostering enduring partnerships and stability in the Middle East. As Vois Es Nais highlighted, his blend of personal passion and professional experience may position him uniquely to navigate the complexities of the role and make meaningful contributions during his tenure as Ambassador to Israel.
