In a significant diplomatic move, President-elect Donald Trump announced the nomination of Mike Huckabee as the next US ambassador to Israel.

Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor and a prominent conservative, is known for his staunch pro-Israel stance and support for Jewish settlements in the West Bank, often referred to as Judea and Samaria.

This nomination could indicate a shift in US policy toward Middle Eastern conflicts.

Huckabee, a former Republican presidential candidate and once host of a Fox News show, has been a vocal supporter of Israel throughout his career.

Evangelicals, a major component of Trump's support base, have consistently backed pro-Israel policies.

While Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have praised the appointment, it's likely to draw criticism from Palestinians, whose cause Huckabee has previously dismissed.

Huckabee expressed strong opposition to President Joe Biden's handling of the Gaza conflict, criticizing efforts to appease groups like Hamas.

His previous political campaigns, including for the presidency in 2008 and 2016, have demonstrated his long-standing commitment to Israel, further evidenced by his evangelical tours to the region.

Huckabee's daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, is also a prominent political figure, serving as the current governor of Arkansas after her tenure as Trump's White House press secretary.