Huckabee to Israel: America has your back!
In an exclusive interview, US ambassador silences concerns Trump is turning away from Israel.
Israel Today
Jun 15, 2025
In the days leading up to the war with Iran, there was continuous speculation that US President Donald Trump had grown impatient with Israel, and that he was moving toward implementing his own agenda with or without Jerusalem’s participation. Several days into the most fateful conflict the Middle East has seen in decades, are those concerns still valid?
In a wide-ranging interview with Itamar Eichner, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Israel has nothing to worry about. Trump unquestionably has Israel’s back.
Does Trump support the attack on Iran?
Did Trump ask Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take the military option off the table so he could move on with Iran negotiations? Huckabee said the two leaders had many discussion on the topic, but there were “no directives.”
As for whether or not Trump gave a green light for the Israeli assault, the ambassador finds it unlikely Israel would act without coordinating with Washington. Israel, he stressed, is not just an ally, but a partner.
Political interference
The interview took place prior to the start of the Iran strikes, and the reason for it centered the possible fall of the Israeli government over the issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription. Huckabee had been accused in the Israeli media of personally persuading the ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties not to leave Netanyahu’s government at such a critical time.
Some in Israel charged him with interfering in Israel’s internal political affairs.
“I have never told any group in the Knesset or political party what they should do. That’s not appropriate,” Huckabee insisted. “I explicitly told them [the ultra-Orthodox party officials] that my role as ambassador is not to give you advice or to interfere in Israel’s domestic politics. I’m not here to choose a government. I was sent to represent the United States to whichever government Israel chooses. Whether it’s the current one or another — my role is the same.”
But when the Orthodox lawmakers asked what America’s reaction might be if Netanyahu’s government fell, Huckabee told them: “There would be concern if Israel’s government was collapsing in the middle of a war, with Iran breathing down its neck — and people wouldn’t understand it. It’s a question you need to consider — whether it’s good or bad. But I won’t tell you what to do. That’s not my place.”
Trump frustrated with Bibi
Are there gaps between Israel and the US?
Huckabee: “I don’t see any. The bond is very strong. I doubt any world leader speaks to President Trump more than Netanyahu.”
Why did President Trump skip Israel on his first Middle East visit? When will he visit?
“He didn’t skip it intentionally. The prime minister had already visited the White House twice or three times. I joked that he saw the president more than I did. But it reflects the closeness of our nations.”
“Nothing could be further from the truth. If a ‘senior official’ says that — maybe they’re not so senior… or maybe they’re high on something else.”
Why were pro-Israel figures removed from the US administration? Is it related to Israel?
“Some changes happened, but many strong pro-Israel voices remain — like Pete Hegseth and Marco Rubio. I don’t think there’s reason to worry.
“Look at what we say. Look at what we do. I can’t think of any way in which the US is expressing anything other than full-throated support for our relationship.”
Gaza deal
How close are we to a hostage deal, and who’s to blame — Israel or Hamas?
“Hamas, 100%. Israel agreed to many options — including exile for Hamas, safe haven, exit from the area. Hamas refused. Plans were approved by Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, the US — everyone said okay. Israel said fine: 60-day ceasefire, return of hostages, then release of more hostages later. If the ceasefire is violated — Israel can resume fighting. That’s very reasonable. Hamas said, ‘We’ll consider it’, then backtracked. So the delay isn’t because Israel doesn’t want to end the war. No one in Israel’s government wants the war to continue.”
Where do things stand now? Are we close to an agreement?
“I can’t say. It depends solely on whether Hamas is willing to make a deal.”
Did President Trump tell Netanyahu it’s time to end the war?
“President Trump said this publicly, not just to Netanyahu: Let’s end the war. But he also said: End it when Hamas is gone. There’s no disagreement between Trump and Netanyahu about the outcome. Everyone understands Hamas can’t win — that would guarantee another October 7 and more kidnappings. Rewarding Hamas for atrocities will only lead to more.”
Where does Trump’s plan for Gazans to move to a third country stand? Did he abandon it?
“No, he hasn’t abandoned anything. He hasn’t presented a post-war plan yet. He said people should have the option to leave, not be forced. That’s the same position I’ve heard from the Israeli government.”
Gaza aid
What about UN and other Western criticism regarding the lack of aid to Gazans?
“We’re frustrated. They demand aid to Gaza, but when we create mechanisms to deliver it, they do nothing — some even interfered. Hamas steals the aid, hoards it, sells it.”
Tell us about the US-led Global Humanitarian Fund (GHF). Is it working? Who funds it?
“Governments, private donors, NGOs. We’re not disclosing the full list yet. So far, over 12 million meals delivered. It’s improving daily. Hamas tries to sabotage it — that’s not reported enough. Palestinian news often equals Hamas. But the disruptions are mostly due to Hamas.”
ICC, UN and Western sanctions
What do you think of Western sanctions on Israeli ministers like Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich?
“Very disappointing. They’re pressuring Israel more than Hamas. Hamas are still the bad guys. Focus on what Hamas did and continues to do — holding hostages, torture, stealing aid. If you really want to apply pressure — that’s where it belongs.”
What about US sanctions on ICC judges?
“I think many of us—well, I can’t speak for the whole United States—but I would say it would be wonderful if the ICC just disappeared. It’s an incredibly lawless, worthless entity that is going after Israelis. I don’t even see what its purpose is.”
Two-state solution
After October 7, is the two-state solution still realistic? What’s the US stance?
“It’s up to Israelis, not the US. There’s currently no discussion of it. If Israel isn’t talking about it, there’s no point in us doing so.”
What about the French-Saudi-led international conference and talks of unilaterally recognizing a Palestinian state?
“I think it’s ridiculously ill-timed. This is in the midst of a war, for heaven’s sake. Israel is facing threats on all sides. You’d think if European countries have the time and energy to pressure anyone, it would be Hamas.”
Would the Trump administration support Israeli annexation in Judea and Samaria?
“We’ve said since the beginning: building communities in Judea and Samaria is not a violation of international law. That remains unchanged.”
And annexation? Partial sovereignty in Area C?
“That’s for Israel to decide. The US won’t dictate to a sovereign country.”
Dry bones have come to life
The interview was held in Huckabee’s office at the US Embassy in the Arnona neighborhood of Jerusalem, overlooking the Judean Desert. Huckabee feels at home here. In fact, he has felt at home since he first visited Israel at age 18. The country has changed dramatically since.
“I first came 52 years ago, in 1973,” he recalled. “Back then, Israel was almost a third-world country — struggling economy, no hi-tech industry, no ‘Startup Nation’. The roads were poor, no highways. Today you see stunning buildings, development, highways, freeways. I describe it in biblical terms: I saw ‘the dry bones come to life’, I saw the desert bloom — literally.”
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