U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee was welcomed by Israeli President Isaac Herzog with the playing of the United States national anthem when presenting his diplomatic credentials Monday.
Huckabee, 69, visited with Herzog after spending the weekend in Israel. The U.S. is one of six countries with an embassy in Jerusalem, whereas the other 90 countries with diplomatic relations with Israel keep their respective embassies in Tel-Aviv.
“Presenting my credentials to Israeli President @Isaac_Herzog, I was moved to hear the national anthem of the United States played at his residence,” Huckabee wrote on X. “Hearing that song in this land is a powerful reminder of the incredible bonds that exist between the United States and Israel.”
The former Arkansas governor and Baptist minister has visited Israel more than 100 times throughout his life because of his belief that the land is sacred. On Friday, Huckabee inserted a note from President Donald Trump into the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
“Over these coming months, I pray that one thing we will see and see it very soon, as you eloquently said, Mr. President, every hostage returns home to their family. Every hostage,” Huckabee said from Herzog’s residence.
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Huckabee called for “peace and prosperity” for Israel as it approaches the second anniversary since Hamas invaded southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The last ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, which was the first under Trump, ended on March 2. It was initially meant to be the first phase of a multi-phase deal that State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said fizzled due to a lack of cooperation from Hamas.