In Washington, Mike Huckabee, a nominee by President Donald Trump for the role of U.S. ambassador to Israel, sought to distance himself from his previously contentious remarks concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During his testimony on Capitol Hill, Huckabee emphasized his commitment to upholding the president’s objectives over his personal views.
“I am here not to convey my own perspectives but to faithfully represent the President, whose significant election victory has presented me with this opportunity to potentially serve as ambassador to Israel,” Huckabee declared in his introductory statements.
Trump selected Huckabee, a prominent evangelical Christian and devoted ally of Israel, shortly after securing reelection, with a campaign promise to conclude the ongoing 17-month conflict in Gaza. Despite an initial ceasefire, efforts by U.S. and Arab mediators to restore peace have stumbled following a renewed series of Israeli airstrikes.
While Republican lawmakers praised Huckabee for his unwavering support of Israel, Democratic senators challenged his previously extreme commentary regarding Palestinians, which even some pro-Israel factions have criticized as inconsistent with longstanding U.S. policies in the region.
The former governor of Arkansas admitted past support for Israel’s annexation of the West Bank and incorporation of its Palestinian populace. However, he maintained that implementing such policy isn’t his prerogative. “If confirmed, my duty will be to prioritize the president’s directives, not my own,” Huckabee stated in response to inquiries from Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley.
Huckabee, known from his aspirations for the presidency, has also habitually referred to the West Bank as “Judea and Samaria,” a term favored by certain right-wing Israeli groups. When questioned about this by Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Huckabee did not provide a decisive response.
Most notably, Huckabee has consistently opposed the concept of a two-state resolution between Israelis and Palestinians. In a prior interview, he questioned even referring to Arabs from British-mandated Palestine as “Palestinians.”
As conditions in Gaza deteriorate, with the breakdown of ceasefire agreements and hostage releases, some Israeli authorities discuss the potential reoccupation of the territory—a stance opposed by President Joe Biden’s administration. Meanwhile, Trump’s proposals suggesting a U.S. takeover of Gaza have sparked both interest and fierce criticism from Arab countries and beyond. Questions regarding Trump’s plans prompted Huckabee to refute claims of forced Palestinian displacement, suggesting Palestinians could be motivated to relocate voluntarily.
In advance of the hearings, opposition toward Huckabee’s nomination emerged from Democrats and certain pro-Israel organizations, labeling his views on the conflict as “extreme” and misaligned with American interests.
“Huckabee’s statements do not reflect those of a considered diplomat, but of someone whose views fall far outside global consensus and contradict fundamental bipartisan tenets of American foreign policy,” stated Rep. Jerry Nadler, a leading Jewish Democrat. “Amid one of the world’s most unstable regions, introducing more extremism, particularly from this historical ambassadorial post, is unwarranted.”
Jeremy Ben-Ami, president of the pro-Israel advocacy group J Street, criticized Huckabee’s views as undermining American strategic interests and efforts for sustained regional peace. “Mr. Huckabee’s endorsement of annexation, radical settlers, and fervent Christian Zionism conflict with the Jewish democratic principles held by most of our community and the founding values of Israel: justice, equality, and peace,” he expressed.
Another nominee providing testimony was Kevin Cabrera, chosen by Trump as ambassador to Panama—an appointment viewed with trepidation by Panamanian officials in light of the president’s proposals to reclaim control of the Panama Canal.
“The security of the vital international Panama Canal, facilitating global trade, is a cornerstone of cooperation,” Cabrera highlighted in his statements.
He lauded Panama for withdrawing from China’s Belt and Road Initiative and reassessing its contracts with a Chinese company overseeing canal operations. The Panamanian company managing these contracts has tentatively agreed to divest, though the process remains incomplete.
Amidst calls from Democrats to honor Panama’s sovereignty, Cabrera asserted he would adhere to the President’s policies, who maintains that “all options are on the table” regarding U.S. control over the canal.
While endorsing diplomacy, Senator Jeanne Shaheen expressed concern over potential military implications or coercive strategies to seize control of the canal from Panama.
Cabrera affirmed, “President Trump is our commander-in-chief, and I stand by him and his policies.”