Washington DC [US]: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday officially signed the commission for former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee to become the new United States Ambassador to Israel. This followed Huckabee’s confirmation by the US Senate earlier in the day, which passed by a vote of 53-46.
President Trump praised the appointment during remarks at the White House, calling Huckabee a strong fit for the role and joking about the cultural contrast:
“He’s going to be fantastic. He’s going to bring home the bacon, even though bacon isn’t too big in Israel. I had to clear that up. Congratulations to Mike Huckabee,” Trump said.
In response, Huckabee expressed his appreciation for the President’s trust:
“I am Grateful to a great Donald Trump and look forward to serving!”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Huckabee’s confirmation, calling it a milestone in US-Israel relations:
“Congratulations to my dear friend Mike Huckabee upon being confirmed as the next ambassador of the United States to Israel. This is a great day for the Israeli-American alliance. I look forward to working with you to make the unbreakable bond between our two nations even stronger,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
Huckabee, a former two-term governor of Arkansas, television personality, and Baptist minister, has long been an outspoken supporter of Israel. He is expected to assume his ambassadorial duties in the coming days.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Netanyahu met with President Trump at the White House and addressed plans to improve bilateral trade relations. As US-China tariff tensions roil global markets, Netanyahu said Israel is committed to reducing its trade deficit with the US:
“We will eliminate the trade deficit with the United States. We intend to do it very quickly. We think it’s the right thing to do and we’re going to also eliminate trade barriers.”
“Israel could also serve as a model for many countries” who ought to do the same, he added.
Netanyahu also thanked President Trump for his ongoing support, calling him a trusted ally:
“Thank you for inviting me. You are a remarkable friend of Israel and someone who always delivers on his commitments.”