As President Trump deepens ties with Arab states and Iran, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee insists the administration’s commitment to Israel remains “ironclad,” even as Israeli officials express growing unease.
At a Glance
- Mike Huckabee was confirmed U.S. ambassador to Israel in April 2025
- Trump administration launched a Gaza aid plan excluding Israeli involvement
- Israel was not included in key U.S. talks with Gulf states and Iran
- American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander was released by Hamas in a diplomatic gesture
Huckabee’s Mission: Reassure Israel
U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee is on a diplomatic offensive in Jerusalem, working to reaffirm the Trump administration’s commitment to Israel amid a wave of shifting alliances and regional negotiations. Confirmed in April 2025, Huckabee wasted no time in signaling continuity in the U.S.–Israel relationship—despite growing concern in Israeli political circles.
In public statements and media appearances, Huckabee has repeatedly emphasized President Donald Trump’s “unwavering support” for Israel. “Relax, calm down,” he said during a recent appearance. “Donald Trump loves you, there’s no doubt about that—he’s got your back,” Huckabee told Israelis, responding to fears stirred by Trump’s outreach to Arab states and overtures toward Iran (Breitbart).
Watch a report: Mike Huckabee: What’s Happening in Israel Now? An Update From the U.S. Ambassador.
Gaza Plan Sidesteps Israel
One of the most controversial recent developments is the Trump administration’s rollout of a humanitarian aid initiative for Gaza—without Israeli involvement in distribution. Huckabee clarified that Israel would provide security but would not manage or oversee aid delivery, which is being outsourced to private and international actors (Reuters).
Critics warn this approach could undermine Israel’s role in regional security and complicate relationships with aid organizations. Nevertheless, Huckabee defended the plan as a pragmatic shift aligned with the administration’s push for peace and logistical efficiency.
Exclusion From Key Talks Fuels Alarm
Compounding the anxiety in Jerusalem, President Trump’s current Middle East tour includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE—but pointedly skips Israel. Officials in Netanyahu’s cabinet have reportedly voiced frustration at being sidelined from high-level discussions, including indirect negotiations with Iran (Reuters).
In a surprise gesture interpreted as a diplomatic olive branch, Hamas recently released Edan Alexander, a dual American-Israeli soldier held in Gaza. The timing suggests the Trump administration’s overtures in the region are beginning to bear fruit—even if Israel is not front
