US President Donald Trump's nomination of former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee highlighted the unusual alliance between US Christian fundamentalists and Israel's far-right, which currently controls the Israeli government.
Over the years, Huckabee has emphasised his affinity to Israel based on his Christian faith, and he has expressed his support for the illegal annexation of the occupied West Bank.
The main act of dissent came within seconds of Huckabee's opening remarks as protesters outside the hall screamed and yelled "Jews say no!" to Huckabee's confirmation.
Members of the US Jewish community are generally well-informed about the dangers of Christian fundamentalism, given the movement's deep ties to antisemitism.
What is Huckabee's vision for Israel and the Middle East?
Huckabee said in his hearing that the Abraham Accords made him feel optimistic about the future of Israel and the region. This was a normalisation deal that excluded Palestinians from negotiations, though it created policies for their future.
Many believe the Abraham Accords were the impetus for the Hamas-led 7 October 2023 attack on Israeli military sites and civilian settlements within and along the Gaza envelope. What is Huckabee's background and links with Israel?
Like former US President Bill Clinton, Huckabee hails from Hope, Arkansas, a fortunate reference for a politician. In his hearing, he used it as a talking point for his "local boy makes good" story, saying he was the first in his family to graduate from high school.
The former governor went on to say that God's grace was the only explanation for his success. From there, he went on to say the same for Israel. "It's the only rational explanation for its existence in various forms for the past 3500 years would be the grace of..."
"Huckabee using Christianity to justify ethnic cleansing!" yelled a protester outside the hall. The protester then yelled, "Free Palestine!"
His first trip to Israel and other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, including Syria, Jordan, Cyprus and Greece, was in the early 1970s, shortly before the 1973 war. He then started leading groups to Israel in the early 1980s, totally more than 100 visits to what he described as the "bible lands".
"It still believes it's the promised land. It's the holy ground," he said. He went on to list Israel's multiple wars since its establishment in 1948.
What did he promise in his US Senate hearing?
He has said that he will hold Hamas accountable for the 7 October attack and that he would support bipartisan legislation to hold them accountable, and will carry out Trump's policies and that Hamas will have no future in Gaza. He emphasised that his first order of business would be to secure the release of US captive Edan Alexander.
Huckabee also promised to limit Iran's financial capabilities through sanctions.
He also said he would do what he could to ensure the normalisation between Israel and Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia.
"Huckabee is using Christianity to kick Palestinians off their land!" yelled a protester, as Huckabee again invoked the bible in the hearing.
"This is a remarkable change in the geopolitical structure. And it is an incredible opportunity. I've used the term that I think it's possible that this president could achieve something in the Middle East that would have—and I use the term deliberately—biblical proportion," he said, waving his arm in a manner that a religious leader would while holding a sermon.
He then suggested that longtime enemies and adversaries could become partners in peace.
Evading questions on human rights concerns in Gaza
Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon asked Huckabee if he was concerned about 2,000-pound bombs being dropped in Gaza, as well as the withholding of humanitarian aid. Huckabee would not say if he was concerned, and when pressed, he said he did not have enough information to respond.
Merkley then pointed to numerous international reports, and said to Huckabee, "I know you're not unaware of it."
Merkley then asked if he supports a "greater Israel" of Judea and Samaria that would mean the annexation of the occupied West Bank, something he has expressed support for in the past and that he confidently confirmed in the senate hearing. Merkley then asked if he supported the annexation of Gaza.
Similarly, Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland asked Huckabee about his position on the occupied West Bank and Palestinian human rights. In response to both senators, Huckabee said it was up to Trump to set US policy.
A 'natural ally' to end a two-state solution?
Responding to Senator John Curtis of Utah, home to the Mormon Church, Huckabee went on to describe Israel as a "natural ally" to the US based on Judeo-Christian values. And to deny that would make it difficult to move forward with the relationship, he remarked.
Huckabee later said that thanks to Israeli agricultural technology, they have managed to "make the desert bloom". He said that this creates a greater level of security. This, he believes, could lead to peace.
"I've literally seen the verses of the bible come to life," he declared. "The dry bones have come to live again, and the desert has bloomed. This could lead to peace, with everyone winning in the process. That would be something that I believe this president could uniquely bring about."
When Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada asked Huckabee about his alternative for a two-state solution for the future, Huckabee didn't respond directly, and then said that there would need to be a cultural change in Muslims accepting Israel's statehood, which could be helped by the Abraham Accords.
He then suggested that Palestinians could relocate, though not by force.
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