Senate Foreign Relations Committee questions Mike Huckabee on Israel policy, hostages and regional strategy

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, President Trump's nominee to be U.S. ambassador to Israel, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on March 25, 2025, that securing the release of U.S. hostages and supporting Israel’s security would be his top priorities if confirmed.

Huckabee told the committee he would "respect and represent the overwhelmingly elected president" and said the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and their aftermath make the post "urgent." He described Israel as a "tiny nation the size of New Jersey" that "has always been under attack" and said the hostage issue must be the first item of business for U.S. diplomats.

Why it matters: The nominee faces detailed questioning on how he would implement Administration policy in a volatile region. Senators pressed Huckabee on whether he supports steps that could affect Palestinians’ future political rights, the use of heavy munitions in Gaza, and whether U.S. diplomats should continue to pursue a two-state outcome as a long-term objective.

Huckabee defended the Trump Administration's past initiatives in the region, including the Abraham Accords, calling them a "pivotal" development that expanded diplomatic and economic ties among U.S. partners. He said he would work to expand those accords if confirmed, and described Iran as the region’s principal threat, saying sanctions and pressure—rather than bombing—were the preferred tools to limit Tehran's influence.

Committee members from both parties pressed Huckabee on several sensitive matters. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the committee’s ranking member, said she was concerned about rhetoric favoring annexation or total Israeli control of Palestinian territory, noting such statements are "highly incendiary" across the region. Huckabee acknowledged prior support for Israeli claims to Judea and Samaria but repeatedly said an ambassador’s role is to carry and execute the president’s policy, not set it.

Senators asked Huckabee whether he would oppose forced displacement of Palestinians. He said the president "has never said that he would force displacement" and that he "would not push for forced displacement," while also stating he favored ensuring Palestinian civilians could find safe, secure living conditions. On Leahy Law human-rights compliance and possible sanctions for abuses by foreign security units, Huckabee said he would follow the law and work with Secretary Rubio and the president on implementation.

Several senators asked about Israel’s use of precision munitions and humanitarian access to Gaza. When asked by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) whether he had concerns about the use of 2,000-pound bombs in Gaza, Huckabee said he was not yet in a position to assess classified operational details and that he would expect "the weapon we provide includes the smart weaponry" necessary to limit civilian harm. On humanitarian access he noted there have been large-scale deliveries during ceasefires, but senators cited reports of restricted access during active operations.

On the broader diplomatic picture, Huckabee said the U.S. should work to normalize ties between Israel and Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, calling that expansion "one of the most urgent things to happen." He emphasized the administration’s priorities of standing "arm in arm" with Israel while seeking wider regional cooperation to counter Iran.

The hearing also included questions about how Huckabee would preserve bipartisan congressional relationships. He told senators he would maintain communication with both Republican and Democratic offices if confirmed. Huckabee repeatedly framed his responsibilities as implementing presidential policy and representing the entire country.

Ending: The committee held the hearing and questioned Huckabee at length; senators requested follow-up material and pledged to continue oversight if he is confirmed. No committee vote was recorded during the hearing.