Huckabee’s Conservative Values
Mike Huckabee, America’s newly appointed ambassador to Israel, is a passionate and sometimes controversial figure, deeply committed to Israel, rooted in strong conservative values, and known for his multifaceted background. So, who is Mike Huckabee, and what does he bring to the table?
Huckabee’s Conservative Values
Huckabee’s conservative views are well known across several social issues. He is firmly opposed to abortion and embryonic stem cell research. He also stands against the recognition of same-sex unions, including both marriage and civil partnerships. On gun rights, he advocates for a broad interpretation of the Second Amendment, opposing restrictions on gun ownership and sales.
Economic Vision: Advocate of the FairTax Reform
In economic matters, Huckabee supports the “FairTax” initiative, which seeks to eliminate the federal income tax and replace it with a federal sales tax. This reform aims to ease tax burdens on citizens and establish a simpler economic system—a vision central to his broader economic outlook.
Immigration: A Balanced Stance
Despite his strong conservative beliefs, Huckabee has surprised many with a moderate stance on immigration. As Governor, he allowed the children of undocumented immigrants to receive scholarships for higher education, a decision that attracted criticism from more conservative circles. While he doesn’t fully endorse comprehensive immigration reform, Huckabee supports selected aspects.
Steadfast Support for Israel
A vocal and frequent supporter of Israel, Huckabee regularly visits the country and has openly backed Israeli settlements. He has criticized international pressure for Israel to withdraw from Judea, Samaria, and the Golan Heights. Huckabee also expressed his support for Israeli educational institutions like Ariel University.
Personal Life and Interests
Huckabee’s rich personal life includes being a family man—he is married with three children, and his daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, currently serves as Governor of Arkansas. After being diagnosed with diabetes, he committed to a significant weight loss journey, losing around 50 kg and even publishing a book on preventive healthcare. He also plays bass guitar and formed a rock band during his time as Governor.
Career in Media
Between 2008 and 2014, Huckabee hosted a talk show on Fox News, which broadened his public profile in the United States. The show allowed him to establish himself as a clear and articulate voice for his values and beliefs.
“The Two-State Solution is a Fantasy”
Several years ago, a delegation of prominent rabbis from the “Pikuach Nefesh” organization met with Huckabee to discuss Israel’s right to its land from a Torah perspective, emphasizing the prohibition on ceding territories. At the meeting, Tel Aviv’s Chief Rabbi Yosef Gerlitzky presented Huckabee with a religious ruling endorsed by 400 rabbis, opposing any negotiation over Israel’s territories. Huckabee listened intently to the religious perspective and expressed his agreement, stating that the “Two-State Solution” is merely an impractical diplomatic illusion.
“I don’t know who came up with this nonsensical idea of ‘two states for two peoples’,” said Huckabee. “It’s astonishing that Israeli officials would even consider such an approach. It will only lead to greater instability and threats to Israel.”
The rabbis thanked Huckabee for his unwavering support of Israel and urged him to ensure that the U.S. administration under President Trump would continue its policy of unyielding support for the integrity of the Land of Israel and the battle against its enemies. Huckabee promised to do his utmost, emphasizing that Israel must always prioritize its own interests over international opinion.
“Just as the Torah teaches,” Huckabee stated, “concessions made under pressure only lead to more pressure. Israel’s constant worry about ‘what the world will say’ is misplaced. On the contrary, the world respects Israel and the Jewish people.” He added that it’s essential to convey that Israel’s claim to the land is not rooted in politics but in faith.
The meeting included other prominent rabbis, including Rabbi Shalom Gold of Har Nof, Rabbi Yaakov Shapira of Mercaz Harav Yeshiva, and Rabbi Avraham Levin, secretary of the rabbinical congress. In a lighthearted moment, Huckabee joked about the unity of 400 rabbis on one issue, to which the rabbis replied that the ruling on “Pikuach Nefesh” is a halachic obligation and universally upheld.
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