Evangelical Leader Mike Huckabee Nominated as U.S. Ambassador to Israel

Former Arkansas Governor and staunch supporter of Israel's annexation plans

Nomination expected to face scrutiny from Democrats and pro-Palestinian groups

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, a prominent Evangelical leader and vocal supporter of Israel's annexation plans, has been nominated as the next U.S. Ambassador to Israel. The nomination, announced by President Donald Trump on Thursday, is expected to face scrutiny from Democrats and pro-Palestinian groups, who have expressed concerns about Huckabee's views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Huckabee, a Republican who served as Arkansas governor from 1996 to 2007, is a longtime supporter of Israel and has expressed support for the country's annexation of the West Bank. In a 2019 speech, Huckabee said that Israel has a "biblical right" to the land and that the U.S. should support its annexation plans.

Huckabee's nomination is likely to be met with opposition from Democrats, who have been critical of Trump's policies towards Israel. Democrats have accused Trump of being too supportive of Israel and of ignoring the rights of Palestinians. Pro-Palestinian groups have also expressed concerns about Huckabee's nomination, saying that he is not a suitable person to represent the U.S. in Israel.

The nomination of Huckabee is the latest in a series of moves by the Trump administration that have been seen as favorable to Israel. In December, Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved the U.S. embassy there. The administration has also cut funding to the Palestinian Authority and has closed the PLO office in Washington, D.C.

The nomination of Huckabee is likely to further strain relations between the U.S. and the Palestinians. The Palestinians have already rejected the Trump administration's peace plan, which they say is biased in favor of Israel. The nomination of Huckabee is likely to further damage relations between the two sides.