President-elect Donald J. Trump has nominated Mike Huckabee and Steven Witkoff as top diplomatic envoys to Israel and the Middle East, both of whom lack significant official policy experience in the region. However, their appointments indicate a clear alignment with pro-Israel sentiments.
Mike Huckabee, a former governor of Arkansas, is set to become the U.S. ambassador to Israel. His previous statements include claims that "there’s really no such thing as a Palestinian" and assertions that all of the West Bank belongs to Israel. His nomination, which requires Senate confirmation, has been positively received by Israeli officials who oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state, a goal long pursued by U.S. administrations.
Steven Witkoff has been appointed as the incoming administration’s Middle East envoy. He has raised substantial funds for Trump’s campaign, particularly from Jewish voters, following the Biden administration's suspension of certain arms shipments to Israel. Analysts suggest that Trump's administration is likely to adopt a more favorable stance toward Israel in its foreign policy.
Huckabee, known for his appeal to evangelical voters, has previously expressed views that align with hard-line Israeli perspectives. In a recent interview, he stated that he would execute the president's policies without detailing his own stance. His past comments, including dismissing the concept of a West Bank and labeling settlements as "communities," have resurfaced following his nomination.
His selection has been met with enthusiasm from some Israeli officials, including Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister, who expressed eagerness to collaborate on issues related to the land of Israel. Conversely, the liberal pro-Israel advocacy group J Street condemned the nomination, asserting that it exemplifies a disconnect between Trump’s pro-Israel stance and Jewish values.
Witkoff, a real estate developer and a close associate of Trump, has leveraged his connections to raise significant funds for the campaign. He has been active in supporting pro-Israel initiatives, notably during a congressional address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump characterized Witkoff as an "unrelenting Voice for PEACE" in his announcement of the appointment.