**Mike Huckabee Nominated as U.S. Ambassador to Israel by President-elect Trump**

In a significant move, President-elect Donald Trump has announced Mike Huckabee, former Governor of Arkansas, as his choice for the U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Huckabee, a staunch advocate of Israel and vocal critic of the Biden administration’s response to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, has been a prominent figure in American politics and evangelical circles.

Mike Huckabee has consistently opposed ceasefire negotiations and has been critical of referring to unauthorized settlements in the occupied West Bank as anything other than "communities." In his announcement, Trump commended Huckabee's long-standing public service, leadership in faith, and deep affection for Israel, predicting that he would work relentlessly to foster peace in the Middle East.

"Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years," Trump said in a statement. "He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him. Mike will work tirelessly to bring about Peace in the Middle East!"

Before entering politics, Huckabee served as an evangelical minister and is known for leading "The Israel Experience" tours to historically and biblically significant sites such as the Sea of Galilee, the Garden of Gethsemane, and Jerusalem's Old City.

In January 2017, just days prior to Trump’s first term, Huckabee made headlines by speaking in the West Bank in front of a banner pledging to "Build Israel Great Again," reflecting the anticipated policy changes under Trump’s administration. He has staunchly referred to the area as Judea and Samaria, rejecting the terms “West Bank” and “settlement,” instead calling them "communities," "neighborhoods," and "cities."

The nomination of Huckabee comes amidst ongoing conflicts between Israel and factions like Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. On the campaign trail, Trump has repeatedly claimed that the Gaza conflict would not have escalated under his leadership and has promised to be Israel's staunch defender if elected, often criticizing Jewish voters who support the Democratic Party.