WASHINGTON — On Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump announced his nomination of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the new U.S. ambassador to Israel, selecting a pro-Israel evangelical Christian to guide U.S. foreign policy in a turbulent Middle East.

The 69-year-old Huckabee’s appointment comes as Israel is under significant international pressure to reduce its military actions in Gaza, more than a year after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Trump is set to face an escalating conflict in the region, especially following recent airstrike exchanges between Israel and Iran.

Huckabee has indicated his opposition to negotiating a cease-fire with Hamas, advocating instead that the only way to resolve the conflict is for the militant group to surrender.

“Mike has been an exceptional public servant, Governor, and Faith Leader for a long time,” Trump noted in a press release. “He has a deep love for Israel and its people, who admire him in return. Mike will work dedicatedly to foster Peace in the Middle East!”

Trump has continually backed Israel in its fight against Hamas. His administration previously relocated the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and was pivotal in forming the 2020 Abraham Accords, which improved Israel’s diplomatic relationships in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned that he has talked to Trump three times since Trump’s recent electoral victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Netanyahu has pledged to maintain military efforts until Hamas is defeated and all hostages are released.

Trump revealed Huckabee’s nomination while Israeli President Isaac Herzog was visiting outgoing President Joe Biden at the White House.

Trump has called himself a “protector” of Israel and warned that Israel’s existence is at stake if Harris were to succeed. He has stated in April that Israel should “finish what they started” in Gaza, pointing out that they are “losing the PR battle” due to images of carnage emerging from Gaza, where the Palestinian fatalities have surpassed 43,000.

Huckabee, who is a Baptist minister and formerly hosted a show on Fox News, was the governor of Arkansas from 1996 until 2007. He made attempts to secure the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and again in 2016 against Trump. He currently has a program on the religious network TBN. While Huckabee lacks significant diplomatic experience, he recently participated in a trip to Israel as part of a group of evangelicals in December to demonstrate support.

In an interview with NewsNation in June, Huckabee expressed that there is “no valid reason” to pursue a cease-fire with Hamas, despite ongoing efforts from the Biden administration to achieve one.

“There’s no justification for a cease-fire with Hamas. They are incapable of engaging in a meaningful negotiation,” he stated, claiming that the group often pretends to be willing to negotiate but ultimately rejects any proposals.

“Negotiating with them is akin to trying to make a deal with the Nazis during World War II. It’s simply not an option. You must confront them and ensure their defeat,” Huckabee elaborated.

Huckabee’s daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, is currently the governor of Arkansas and previously served as White House press secretary during Trump’s first term.

The Republican Jewish Coalition praised Huckabee’s appointment.

“As a person of profound faith, we recognize that Governor Huckabee’s boundless affection for Israel and its citizens is unparalleled,” the organization stated. “As Israel engages in a critical struggle for survival against Iran and its terrorist affiliates, Governor Huckabee will commendably represent America’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.”

Former U.S. ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, also endorsed the selection, expressing his excitement over Huckabee’s nomination: “I’m delighted by President Trump’s choice of Governor Mike Huckabee as the next Ambassador to Israel. He is a close friend and has my complete support. Congratulations Mike on receiving the best job in the world!” Friedman shared on a social media platform.

Since winning the White House, Trump has appointed at least seven other individuals to various roles.

Among Trump’s staff choices are his senior campaign adviser Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff; Elise Stefanik as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations; Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff for policy, Tom Homan for handling deportation and aviation security; former Congressman Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency; and Florida Rep. Mike Waltz as national security adviser.