‘There is no West Bank,’ claims new US Ambassador to Israel Huckabee

Mike Huckabee, soon to take up his post as U.S. Ambassador to Israel, has reiterated his long-held position rejecting the term “West Bank” in favor of Biblical references. In an interview with Israeli news outlet Arutz Sheva, Huckabee stated, “There is no such thing” as the West Bank, referring to the area as “Judea and Samaria” and claiming that the land is not “occupied” but has been rightfully held by the Jewish people for 3,500 years, dating back to Abraham.

Huckabee, known for his strong support of Israeli settlements, emphasized the importance of using “time immemorial” terms such as “Promised Land” and “Judea and Samaria,” rejecting widely accepted terminology.

“These are Biblical terms, and those are important to me,” he said, signaling that he intends to continue using this language during his tenure unless directed otherwise.

Possible annexation during 2nd Trump administration

In a separate interview with Israeli army radio, Huckabee expressed support for the annexation of the occupied West Bank, a policy often promoted by far-right Israeli ministers. When asked about possible annexation during a second Trump administration, Huckabee responded affirmatively, saying, “Of course.”

Huckabee has consistently backed Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, which are recognized as Palestinian territories under international law. He dismisses the notion of an “occupation” and insists that Israeli settlements are legitimate communities.

In 2017, during a visit to the Maale Adumim settlement in East Jerusalem, Huckabee reiterated his position, saying, “There are some words I refuse to use. There is no West Bank. There is Judea and Samaria. There are no (illegal) settlements. There are communities, neighborhoods, cities.” He reaffirmed his belief that these areas are not occupied but historically Jewish land.

Currently, around 451,000 Israelis live in settlements within the West Bank, and 230,000 reside in East Jerusalem, despite international law deeming these settlements illegal.

‘People of Israel loves him’

U.S. President-elect Trump announced on Tuesday he had nominated Mike Huckabee as U.S. ambassador to Israel under his incoming administration, putting a stalwart supporter of that country’s government in a key role.

“Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years,” Trump said in a statement, referring to the Christian pastor-turned-politician.

“He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him.”