President-elect Donald Trump is reorganizing his cabinet, sparking significant discussions on how his appointees could shift U.S.-Israel relations. Central to this conversation is the nomination of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the new ambassador to Israel, which many see as emblematic of Trump’s approach toward the Middle East. Huckabee, known for his strong pro-Israel stance, has been hailed as "an amazing pick" by Israeli special envoy Michal Cotler-Wunsh.
Cotler-Wunsh praised Huckabee's appointment during a recent interview, asserting its importance not just for Israel but also for the United States amid rising global antisemitism. She highlighted Huckabee’s deep comprehension of the challenges faced by Israel, connecting those struggles to broader democratic values worldwide. Huckabee's nomination is one component of Trump’s larger strategy to align American foreign policy more closely with Israeli interests, particularly against groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Alongside Huckabee, Trump has picked Elise Stefanik for the United Nations ambassador position. Cotler-Wunsh pointed to Stefanik’s effective questioning during congressional probes on antisemitism, emphasizing her capability to challenge the perceived double standards she says are prevalent within prominent institutions and universities. The nomination signals Trump’s intent to have allies with strong pro-Israel orientations guiding foreign policy discussions.
The dynamics of these picks are underscored by the backdrop of Trump’s previous term when David Friedman served as ambassador. Friedman’s Orthodox Jewish background and overt support for West Bank settlements brought major changes to the U.S.-Israel relationship, including the acknowledgment of disputed Israeli territories. Huckabee’s selection has raised concerns and speculations about whether the new administration will continue this trend of U.S. backing for Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank.
Indeed, Huckabee has made his views clear; during interviews, he expressed no uncertainty about potential annexation plans and affirmed his loyalty to the president's policies. This raises the question: will Trump listen to evangelical voices, which Huckabee embodies, or to Jewish advocacy organizations, as he navigates future decisions on Israel?
Many have noted the similarities between Huckabee and Friedman, particularly their stances on settlements. Huckabee has previously stirred debate with statements insinuated against Palestinian identity. After his nomination, Huckabee reiterated Trump’s pro-Israel credentials, vowing to support Israeli sovereignty. While Israeli leaders have expressed enthusiasm over Huckabee’s selection, the U.S. political picture remains complicated, with potential opposition from both within Congress and the American public.
Adding more variables, the dynamics of Trump’s new cabinet will differ from those during his first administration. While Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner was instrumental as a senior advisor, Huckabee’s appointment signifies the re-emergence of evangelical influence, something critics argue could amplify evangelical-centric policies at the expense of broader engagement with Palestinian issues.
The reaction among supporters and detractors has been mixed. Evangelical leaders, such as Pastor John Hagee, have celebrated Huckabee's nomination, anticipating his strong pro-Israel advocacy will positively impact U.S.-Israeli relations. On the other hand, critics of Trump and Huckabee, including various Jewish organizations, fear this alignment favors specific evangelical interests rather than equitable engagement with all stakeholders involved.
Arab Americans who previously supported Trump now express disappointment over his recent cabinet selections, which heavily feature pro-Israel candidates. Their concerns center around the potential sidelining of Arab American interests and Palestinian rights. Analysts suggest this discontent may affect Trump's standing among influential voting blocs moving forward.
Potentially complicative relations come from the larger geopolitical lens articulated through Trump’s foreign policy ambitions, which include normalization agreements with Saudi Arabia. Some are concerned these diplomatic efforts could inhibit immediate annexation pursuits, leading to potential friction with far-right Israeli officials eager to push for annexation.
The prevailing uncertainty is not lost on observers like Michael Koplow, who caution against assuming annexation will happen swiftly, noting there are various factors, like regional security, to weigh against such moves. Past initiatives, including the controversial peace plans unveiled during Trump's previous term, indicated where these decisions could lead but halted out of concern for jeopardizing these Israel-Arab normalization efforts.
The impending transitions within the Trump administration, particularly with Huckabee’s appointment alongside other national security figures such as Michael Waltz, signal rightward shifts and potential volatility at the levels of both domestic and foreign policy. Keeping watch as these dynamics play out will be key for stakeholders across the board.
With significant figures like Huckabee vocally supporting the settlements and Israel’s territorial ambitions, the tone for U.S.-Israel relations appears set for another chapter defined by deep alignment, paired with the ever-present tension surrounding Arab and Palestinian rights. Observers now eagerly await actions from the incoming Trump administration as they determine how these policies will manifest on the ground.
