Live News: Trump Taps Ex-Governor Mike Huckabee for US Ambassador to Israel Post

Political Appointment Raises Eyebrows, Sparks Controversy

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the next US Ambassador to Israel. The appointment has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising Trump's 'bold choice' and others expressing concern over Huckabee's qualifications and past statements on Israeli-Palestinian relations.

Huckabee, a Republican and former pastor, has long been a supporter of Israel and has close ties to the country's leadership. He has also been a vocal critic of the Iran nuclear deal and the Obama administration's approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Huckabee's nomination has been met with criticism from some Democrats and foreign policy experts, who argue that he lacks diplomatic experience and has made inflammatory statements about Muslims and Arabs in the past.

However, Trump has defended his choice, saying that Huckabee is 'a good man' who will do a 'great job' in Israel. The Senate must still confirm Huckabee's nomination before he can take office.

Huckabee's Background and Qualifications

Huckabee, 62, served as Governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007. He was a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016.

Huckabee has no formal diplomatic experience, but he has long been involved in international affairs. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has traveled extensively to Israel and the Middle East.

Huckabee is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University and the University of Arkansas School of Law. He is married to Janet McCain Huckabee and has three children.

Huckabee's Views on Israel and the Middle East

Huckabee is a strong supporter of Israel and has said that he believes the US should maintain a 'special relationship' with the Jewish state.

Huckabee has also been a vocal critic of the Iran nuclear deal, calling it a 'bad deal' that will embolden Iran.

Huckabee has said that he believes the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be resolved through a 'two-state solution' that would create a separate Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Controversy over Huckabee's Nomination

Huckabee's nomination has drawn criticism from some Democrats and foreign policy experts, who argue that he lacks diplomatic experience and has made inflammatory statements about Muslims and Arabs in the past.

In 2015, Huckabee said that Muslims should not be allowed to serve in the US military because they 'have a different loyalty' to the US.

Huckabee has also said that he believes Islam is a 'violent religion' and that Muslims are 'trying to kill us.'

These statements have been condemned by Muslim groups and civil rights organizations.