In the middle of global debates over Israel’s role in the world, former Arkansas governor and current U.S. ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee says the reality is simple: America needs Israel just as much as Israel needs America.
Huckabee shared his perspective during a recent episode of The Watchman Newscast with host Erick Stakelbeck. Speaking from Jerusalem, the two discussed Israel’s contributions to the United States, the rise of antisemitism, and why the relationship between the nations is vital both politically and spiritually.
A Two-Way Relationship
Huckabee pushed back against claims that the U.S.-Israel alliance is one-sided. “It’s an incredible benefit to the United States,” he said. “If you like your cell phone, thank Israel for it. The development of the SIM card is the reason we have cell phones today. Do you like some of the medical procedures that have saved maybe a relative’s life? Heart stents, swallowing the little camera that lets the doctor see inside your intestines—developed here.”
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He pointed to other innovations such as car navigation systems, seedless watermelon, and cherry tomatoes. “And then defense systems,” he added. “We can’t even begin to talk about all the ways in which things that protect Americans every single day, that protect our soldiers in battle medically and militarily, were first field tested and used by the Israeli Defense Force.”
Rising Criticism and Propaganda
Despite these tangible benefits, Huckabee noted growing hostility toward Israel, even among some on the American right. “It’s disturbing, very frightening to me because a lot of it is based on innuendo and lies,” he warned. He criticized the use of rhetorical devices like “everyone knows” to spread conspiracy theories. “The fact is it isn’t true. Next thing you know it becomes considered to be a fact. It’s not a fact.”
He suggested that much of this shift stems from propaganda rather than firsthand knowledge. “Knowing that they haven’t been here, they haven’t spent any time in Israel tells me it’s not based on firsthand eyewitness understanding. It’s based on what someone told them. The question is, what propagandist told him that and who’s paying them to continue saying it?”
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The Spiritual Roots of Antisemitism
Huckabee argued that antisemitism cannot be explained by politics alone. “Anti-semitism is irrational. It makes no sense,” he said. “Why would you hate Jewish people? They’re less than 1% of the population. What are they going to do? Take over the world with one less than 1%? No.”
Instead, he pointed to a deeper issue: “This is not a geopolitical issue. This is a spiritual issue. If they really are God’s people in God’s place doing God’s purpose, then people who reject God see them as an affront. And so let’s hate them, let’s destroy them, let’s annihilate them.”
Standing with Israel
For Huckabee, America’s connection to Israel is more than political or practical, it is biblical. “As Christians, our own faith is predicated, built upon Judaism,” he explained. “So if there wasn’t a Jewish people, if there were not Ten Commandments, if there was not a progression of the light and law of God in the world, there would be no Christianity.”
That conviction fuels his call for Americans to remain steadfast in supporting Israel. “America and Israel share this fundamental common value system that the individual matters,” he said. “They embody it. They represent it. They’re the holders of that candle. Let’s not blow out the candle.”
A Biblical Mandate
At a time when global leaders and media voices increasingly challenge Israel’s legitimacy, Huckabee insists that the United States cannot afford to waver in its support. From technology to defense, Israel strengthens America. From a spiritual perspective, Israel preserves the foundation of the Christian faith.
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“People today, most of the world, live like they did in the time of the judges when the Bible says that everyone did what was right in his own eyes,” Huckabee said. In contrast, he pointed to Israel as a living testimony of God’s covenant promises.
Supporting Israel is not just about politics: it is about standing with God’s Word and His people.
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
