Trump's Israel Ambassador Nominee Faces Scrutiny Over West Bank Views

During his confirmation hearing for the position of U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee aimed to distance himself from his previously controversial views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, urging lawmakers to evaluate him based on his ability to represent President Trump's policies. Huckabee, a staunch supporter of Israel and the settlement movement, faced intense scrutiny from Democrats regarding his stance on the annexation of the West Bank and Palestinian rights. Despite acknowledging his past beliefs, he emphasized his commitment to uphold the president's agenda rather than his own opinions. The hearing was briefly disrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters, highlighting the contentious nature of Huckabee's nomination. While Republican senators expressed support for Huckabee, some Democrats raised concerns about his alignment with longstanding U.S. policy in the region. His responses suggested a reluctance to fully engage with the complexities of Palestinian rights and the two-state solution, which have been central to U.S. foreign policy.