Former Arkansas governor sworn in as Israel ambassador
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee places his hand on a Bible held by his wife, Janet, as he's sworn in by Judge Lavenksi Smith as the new U.S. ambassador to Israel on April 9, 2025. (Screenshot from livestream)
Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee was sworn in as the United States' new ambassador during a ceremony at the state Capitol Wednesday afternoon. The U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination to the post by a vote of 53-46 earlier in the day.
Huckabee told guests and family members, including his daughter, current Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, that he couldn't think of a better place for the ceremony than the Arkansas Capitol.
Judge Lavenksi Smith, a fellow Hope native who serves on the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, swore in Huckabee, who took his oath with his hand placed on a Bible that he acquired during his first visit to Israel and gifted to his wife, Janet.
'It's pretty special, the fact that it has survived these now 52 years is amazing in itself, and I want to say how grateful I am to be able to share this moment with Janet who's carried not only a Bible all these years, but carried a faithful, consistent willingness to go anywhere and do anything that God ever called us to do,' Huckabee said. 'And of all the tests we've been given, this may be one of the biggest.'
Former Arkansas governor promises to support Trump's plans if confirmed Israel ambassador
President Donald Trump nominated Huckabee for the role in November. The native Arkansan has no foreign policy experience, but has visited Israel several times.
An evangelical Christian, Huckabee is a long-time supporter of Israel and has opposed a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. During a Senate committee hearing last month, Huckabee told members he wasn't there to defend his personal views and repeatedly said that if confirmed, he would enforce Trump's policies.
U.S. Sen. John Boozman on Wednesday praised the confirmation of his 'dear friend and gifted leader' who will be an ambassador to 'a critical ally and partner' of the U.S.
'He has been a lifelong advocate and supporter of Israel who is uniquely suited for this role,' Boozman said in a statement. 'As our ambassador, he will work alongside President Trump and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel to advance our shared values and security interests. I congratulate Gov. Huckabee and his entire family, and wish them well as he begins this new chapter of service to our country.'
Huckabee said he expects to deploy to his post in Israel next week.
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