A former U.S. ambassador has criticized Mike Huckabee, the proposed new U.S. ambassador to Israel, as a “dangerous” “true and utter nut case.” Huckabee, a staunch supporter of Israel, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to align U.S. foreign policy with Israel’s interests in conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah. The former ambassador, Luis Moreno, expressed concern about Huckabee’s beliefs in the End of Times, Apocalypse, and Israel’s destruction, calling him a dangerous choice for the ambassadorship. Moreno, who had a long career in foreign service, served as Deputy Chief of Mission for Israel and later as the U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica.
President-elect Trump praised Huckabee’s nomination, citing his experience as a public servant, governor, and leader in faith, stating that Huckabee’s love for Israel will help bring about peace in the Middle East. After being nominated, Huckabee will undergo background checks, Senate hearings, confirmation votes, briefings, and then take office as the new ambassador. Despite not holding a diplomatic post before, Huckabee has expressed his opposition to a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, indicating a hardline stance on the conflict.
Moreno, a vocal critic of Trump, has been outspoken on the Israel-Hamas conflict and has advocated for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. He believes that a fair and equitable two-state solution is the only path forward for peace in the region. However, recent events, like the Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent war, have complicated the prospects for peace. A majority of Israelis are skeptical about the possibility of peaceful coexistence with a Palestinian state, according to polls conducted by the Pew Research Center.
Support for a two-state solution among Palestinians has also faced challenges, with fluctuating levels of support in Gaza and the West Bank. While there has been increased support for a Palestinian state in Gaza, support in the West Bank has declined, indicating divided opinions on the best path forward for resolving the conflict. The ongoing violence and tensions between Israel and Palestine add complexity to the situation, requiring diplomatic efforts and negotiations to find a lasting solution.
In light of the ongoing conflict and challenges in the region, the appointment of a new U.S. ambassador to Israel like Mike Huckabee raises concerns about the approach and policies that will be pursued under the Biden administration. Critics like Moreno believe that a diplomatic solution that prioritizes peace and stability for both Israel and Palestine is essential, while supporters of Huckabee’s nomination hope that his strong support for Israel will lead to positive outcomes in the region. The future of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East will likely be shaped by the actions and decisions of key diplomatic figures like Huckabee in the coming years.
