Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who has been selected by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the US ambassador to Israel, has a history of controversial statements regarding the Palestinian identity and statehood.
During his 2008 presidential campaign, Huckabee asserted that there was 'no such thing as a Palestinian,' claiming that the concept of Palestinian identity was a political tool aimed at taking land away from Israel. He made these remarks during a campaign stop in Massachusetts while speaking to Orthodox Jewish men.
In a video from Huckabee's 2015 presidential campaign, he suggested that if a Palestinian state were to be established, it should be located in neighboring countries such as Egypt, Syria, or Jordan, rather than within Israel's borders.
Huckabee's comments have sparked controversy and criticism, with many questioning his understanding of the Palestinian people and their aspirations for statehood. His views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have been a focal point of scrutiny, especially given his upcoming role as the US ambassador to Israel.
Despite the backlash, Huckabee has remained steadfast in his support for Israel throughout his political career. His stance on the Palestinian issue reflects a broader debate within US foreign policy circles regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the prospects for a two-state solution.
