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President Donald Trump announced his decision on Tuesday to nominate former Arkansas Republican Gov. Mike Huckabee as the next U.S. Ambassador to Israel.
Huckabee, a long-time Trump ally and defender of Israel, is expected to continue the strong support toward the nation seen during the first Trump administration.
“Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years,” Trump said in a statement. “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!”
Huckabee also posted to X following the announcement.
“It’s been incredible day as @realDonaldTrump asked me to serve as Ambassador to @Israel a land I have been visiting since 1973 when I was a teenager. It will be a privilege to serve my country and my President in this role,” he wrote.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, who served during the first Trump administration, also rejoiced over Huckabee’s nomination.
“It speaks volumes to the importance and priority that President Trump places on the US – Israel relationship that he selected his Ambassador to Israel within one week of his election. And the selection itself — Mike Huckabee is one of Israel’s greatest friends — tells us that the days of public daylight between the US and Israel are about to end!” Freidman posted to X.
The announcement follows a growing list of positions shared by Trump this week following his presidential victory. He also asked Florida Republican Rep. Mike Waltz to serve as the National Security Adviser, RSBN reported Tuesday.
Trump is also expected to name Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, according to multiple outlets and first reported by The New York Times.
Trump named Susie Wiles as his new White House chief of staff on Thursday, making it his first major staffing decision for his second administration, RSBN previously reported.
Wiles served as Trump’s campaign manager and becomes the first female White House chief of staff for a president.