The U.S. Senate confirmed Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel on April 9 in a 53–46 vote, formalizing the former Arkansas governor and conservative media figure’s appointment to one of the most high-profile diplomatic posts in the Middle East.
Huckabee, an ordained Southern Baptist minister, served as Arkansas’s governor from 1996 to 2007 and later became a national figure as the host of the Fox News talk show, “Huckabee,” from 2008 to 2015. President Donald Trump nominated him for the ambassadorial role in November 2024, citing Huckabee’s longstanding support for Israel and his deep ties to the evangelical community.
“I’m pleased the Senate has confirmed a dear friend and gifted leader, former Governor Mike Huckabee, to be our next ambassador to such a critical ally and partner. He has been a lifelong advocate and supporter of Israel uniquely suited for this role,” said Sen. John Boozman, who introduced Huckabee during the confirmation hearing in March 2025. “As our ambassador, he will work alongside Pres. Trump and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel to advance our shared values and security interests. I congratulate Gov. Huckabee and his entire family and wish them well as he begins this new chapter of service to our country.”
A staunch supporter of Israeli settlements and a frequent visitor to the region, Huckabee brings an evangelical worldview to the diplomatic post. As he takes on the role, it marks a shift from the days of Bill Clinton’s Oslo Accords diplomacy to a more assertive, settlement-friendly tone in U.S.–Israel relations. While both men trace their roots to the small town of Hope, their visions for the Middle East—and America’s place in it—differ greatly.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders stated on her Twitter account, “The most important lesson my dad @GovMikeHuckabee ever taught me is to be who God created me to be. I could not be any more proud of my dad for returning to public service as Ambassador to Israel, and fulfilling the purpose God has for him.”
Huckabee unsuccessfully ran for president twice, in 2008 and 2016. He gained significant traction in 2008 by winning the Iowa caucuses but withdrew two months later.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: New Hope in Middle East? Huckabee confirmed as Israel ambassador
