Donald Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as his ambassador to Israel, he announced Tuesday. Huckabee, who has appeared in TV ads hawking the dubious sleep aid Relaxium, has been a staunch supporter of Israel throughout his career. The one-time Baptist minister will be the first non-Jewish ambassador since 2011. “Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years,” the president-elect 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’s nomination comes as Israel wages war in Gaza and Lebanon. The former governor, who has led tour groups in Israel, has endorsed its claim to the West Bank. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long sought to strengthen Israel’s ties to American Evangelical Christians, and Huckabee’s nomination could support that endeavor. Huckabee’s daughter, current Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, served as Trump’s press secretary from 2017 to 2019, during his first stint in the White House.
