President-Elect Donald Trump on Tuesday named former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as Ambassador to Israel.
The role is among the most important ambassadorships but now it is even more significant given Israel’s near all-out war with Iran and current war with Iran’s proxy, Hamas.
“I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected former Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee, has been nominated to be The United States Ambassador to Israel,” Trump said in a social media message.
Huckabee hosted a show on Fox News after serving as governor and ran for president unsuccessfully. His daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, served as Trump’s White House press secretary before successfully running for Governor of Arkansas.
“Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years,” Trump said. “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!”
Trump’s announcement is one of a series of announcements, with others reported by the media but not formally announced and even more speculated.
Trump has many more picks to name in the coming day as he prepares to lead in January with what is expected to be all three branches of government.
