By Amy Zewe, The Jerusalem Connection Report
A November 15, 2024, Christianity Today news feature, “Mike Huckabee Tapped to Be US Ambassador to Israel,” presents news of a Christian pastor, former governor, and Fox News media personality’s nomination using biased language and false assumptions.
While accurately outlining the last 50 years of Huckabee’s reasons for and commitment to Israel and the Jewish people, the article attempts to disparage Huckabee’s appointment with indirect assumptions on why he was chosen and how Israelis are responding, all while employing biased language and omitting context.
Huckabee is asserted to be pro-Netanyahu, noting the two men’s long-term relationship. The article fails to point out that Huckabee’s relationships with Israeli leaders have always been about advocating for the overall well-being of the nation and all its inhabitants. Since the current Israeli leadership includes Netanyahu, it makes sense to have good relationships established. But, this relationship, as described by the authors, hints that Huckabee may not operate in good faith with the rest of Israel’s leadership (or for that matter, the rest of the Israeli citizenry who might not support the current PM). The article assumes that only pro-Netanyahu Israelis are positively receptive to the pick.
Huckabee is painted as “belonging to a group known as Christian Zionists” who support Netanyahu and “whose supporters welcome Huckabee with open arms.” The article fails to acknowledge the overall response of Israelis to the nomination or Huckabee’s long-standing commitment to all of Israel, regardless of who holds power in internal Israeli politics.
Contrary to the article’s implications, Israeli media, including TV, radio, and social commentary, indicate a generally positive reception of Huckabee’s appointment across diverse political perspectives, including those not aligned with Netanyahu.
While the article notes positive reactions from American Jews and Christians, it subtly uses divisive language and perpetuates misconceptions, particularly regarding Israel’s policies. It also dismisses the biblical and historical names “Judea” and “Samaria” in favor of the politically charged term “West Bank” (circa 1967). This is interesting coming from a Christian publication.
The article highlights Huckabee’s longstanding use of these biblical terms to cast suspicion, reminding readers of Israel’s “occupation” as “illegal under international law.” This reminder omits noting the UN’s assessment is non-binding and open to legitimate debate. Israel maintains a legal justification for its presence in these areas.
The piece credits (or accuses) Trump for moving the US embassy to Jerusalem in 2020 but omits the bi-partisan Congressional Act of 1995 that initiated this move. The Embassy relocation from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem has always been one of bi-partisan support, even if Trump was the only President to execute the Act 20 years after its adoption. Omitting the context of the embassy move, implies the first (and second) Trump administration, along with the Huckabee pick, is a right-wing agenda item rather than a sincere decision to act in the best interest of the entire region.
For many Christians and Jews, having a leader committed to the well-being of all Israelis and their neighbors is a welcome development. The article’s reliance on biased geopolitical terminology and assumptions questions its objectivity, presenting opinion rather than balanced reporting.