Former televangelist and politician Huckabee takes up his post as ambassador to Israel. In the presence of his wife, he presents his credentials to Israeli President Herzog.
Republican and devout Christian Michael Dale "Mike" Huckabee is the new US ambassador to Israel. In the days prior, he had already brought joy to his new post: On Friday, the last day of Passover, he delivered a handwritten note from US President Donald Trump (Republican) to the Western Wall. It read, "For peace in Israel.".
Furthermore, the designated ambassador participated in the service at the Garden Tomb early on Easter Sunday morning with several hundred believers.
"Welcome home, dear brother of Israel"
A day later, the former US televangelist and Baptist pastor presented his credentials to Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog at his residence. The Israeli president made it clear at the beginning of his speech that the relationship between Herzog and the new ambassador was cordial: "Normally, I greet newly appointed ambassadors with 'Welcome.' But to you, Mike, I say: 'Welcome home, dear brother of Israel.'".
Herzog had warm words for the ambassador: “You have been to Israel so many times. And like our patriarch Abraham, you too have fulfilled the commandment to traverse our country from top to bottom, and have brought its physical and spiritual beauty closer to countless people. This time, however, you come in a different capacity. You come as the official ambassador of our most important ally, the United States of America.”
Herzog emphasized the leading voice of moral clarity that Huckabee has raised for Israel for many years, and especially after October 7th. He said the words of the prophet Isaiah inevitably came to mind: “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain still” (Isaiah 62:1).
Huckabee's appointment by President Trump to this important post reflects the President's love, friendship, and support for the State of Israel. Herzog continued, "We are deeply grateful for the historic steps he has taken to solidify the ironclad American-Israeli bond and for his commitment to supporting the defense of our people and working to ensure the return of every single one of our hostages."
Herzog is aware that the US President and his ambassador "share our pain over the situation of the hostages and are committed to ensuring that each and every one is soon freed from the Hamas tunnels. Thank you for standing with us and for everything you are doing. Nothing is more urgent than ending this abhorrent crime against humanity – a crime that violates every legal and ethical norm and God himself."
Take Iran's calls for annihilation seriously
The timing of the new appointment comes at a "crucial moment in the history of the region," the president continued. On the one hand, the Abraham Accords brokered by President Trump had demonstrated the power of "warm peace." "They showed what it means when nations turn their swords into plowshares, their conflict into cooperation, and their mistrust into dialogue."
“We can deepen this path. We believe that these words of peace are not just a dream, but obligate us to make peace a reality.” However, to strengthen peace, the threats to it must also be soberly recognized. Herzog addressed “the Ayatollah regime in Iran”—and the fact that it still openly calls for the destruction of Israel. “History has taught us that we must take these threats seriously and confront them with all our determination and strength when a radical regime declares ‘Death to Israel and death to America!’ For the security of our people and for the sake of peace.”
Herzog concluded his speech: “My wife Michal and I, along with the entire nation of Israel, warmly welcome you to the land you love so much. May your term in office provide you with every opportunity to get to know this country and its beautiful diversity of people. God bless you. God bless America. God bless Israel.”
My first trip to Israel 52 years ago
Huckabee thanked the president for the warm welcome: “As a young man, I first came to Israel almost 52 years ago. Today I am an old man, yet I am still filled with the same awe and joy that I am in the land of which God says: ‘This is my land and this is my people.’”.
“I believe that my new office is not just a geopolitical one, but a divine one.” The tens of thousands of believers he has brought to Israel over the past decades have prayed for this country for years. “Many couldn’t believe it when they came to the land of their dreams. I, too, must hold back tears today because this time I am not just coming as a visitor, but this country will be my home for the next four years.”
Huckabee sees his new position as a mission from God. He stands with the Jewish people and wants to contribute to greater peace. He dreams of a reality in which Israeli mothers no longer have to put their children to bed fearful of rocket alerts.
The Iranian threat is not only dangerous for Israel, but also for the security of the United States of America. "I would put it this way: 'Israel is just the appetizer, the USA is the main course.'" Addressing the President, he said: "We stand with Israel. And we defend Judeo-Christian values." He expressed particular gratitude for the excellent cooperation in the areas of security, technology, and agriculture.
In the President's guestbook, the 69-year-old wrote: "Thank you, Mr. President. I begin my service to the United States as Ambassador to the blessed State of Israel." The entry ended: "With respect, Mike Huckabee." Above this, the new ambassador wrote: "As the Prophet said: 'Here I am, send me!'" (Merle Hofer | Israelnetz)
