If we are really in search of justice in 2024 we need to look at Israel and where and how our nation’s leaders align themselves. We must also look at how Israel responded and whether it was legitimate, proportional, legal, just.
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, multiple reports have accused Israel of committing war crimes. The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory released a report in October 2024, stating that Israel has systematically targeted Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure. The report alleges that Israeli forces conducted deliberate attacks on medical personnel and facilities, effectively dismantling Gaza’s healthcare system. Such actions are considered violations of international humanitarian law, as they impede access to essential medical services for civilians. ohchr.org
Additionally, human rights organizations have documented instances of disproportionate use of force by Israeli military operations in densely populated civilian areas. These operations have resulted in significant civilian casualties and the destruction of residential buildings, schools, and places of worship. The principle of distinction and proportionality under international law mandates that parties in a conflict must differentiate between military targets and civilian objects and avoid excessive force that could harm civilians. The reported indiscriminate attacks raise serious concerns about compliance with these legal standards. hrw.org
“President-elect Donald J. Trump has selected Mike Huckabee, a former governor of Arkansas, to be his ambassador to Israel, choosing a loyal ally for a crucial foreign post at a time of crisis in the Middle East.
If confirmed by the Senate, Mr. Huckabee, a former pastor who has never served as an overseas diplomat, would play a crucial role in helping Mr. Trump’s quest to fulfill his promise to bring the war in Gaza to a swift close”. nytimes.com
As we consider the accusations of war crimes leveled against Israel and evaluate where our nation’s leaders align themselves, we could start with Mike Huckabee.
Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas and a prominent conservative commentator, has consistently expressed strong support for Israel and has made several notable statements regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Below is a compilation of his remarks, along with their sources:
- Denial of Palestinian Identity (2008): During his 2008 presidential campaign, Huckabee stated, “There’s really no such thing as a Palestinian,” suggesting that the concept of a Palestinian identity was a political tool to challenge Israel’s territorial claims. buzzfeednews.com
- Opposition to a Two-State Solution (2015): Huckabee has criticized the two-state solution, calling it “irrational and unworkable,” and proposed that a Palestinian state could be established outside of Israeli territory, in countries like Egypt or Saudi Arabia. en.wikipedia.org
- Support for Israeli Settlements (2009): He has expressed support for Israeli settlements in the West Bank, stating that Jews “should be able to live in their own country,” and has opposed labeling these areas as occupied territories. en.wikipedia.org
- Critique of U.S. Policy Toward Israel (2009): Huckabee criticized American policy toward Israel, particularly regarding pressure on Israel to make concessions, and emphasized the importance of a united Jerusalem under Israeli control. en.wikipedia.org
- Comparison of Hamas to Nazis (2024): In June 2024, Huckabee argued against U.S. support for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, stating, “This is like trying to negotiate with the Nazis in World War II. You just don’t.” thehill.com
- Advocacy for Israeli Sovereignty (2023): Huckabee endorsed the idea of Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), aligning with views presented in David Friedman’s book “One Jewish State.” amazon.com
- Criticism of Ceasefire Proposals (2024): He insisted that the U.S. has “no valid reason” to support a ceasefire with Hamas, questioning the group’s capability for honorable negotiations. thehill.com
- Response to AOC’s Comments (2023): Huckabee criticized Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for her comments supporting Palestinian refugees, suggesting she should “stick to bartending” instead of commenting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. thewrap.com
- Solidarity with Israel Post-Attacks (2023): Following attacks on Israeli border towns, Huckabee described the devastation as a “gut punch” and emphasized the need for Americans to stand with Israel. timesofisrael.com
- Advocacy for Strong U.S.-Israel Relations (2024): Huckabee has urged the U.S. to maintain unwavering support for Israel, especially during conflicts with groups like Hamas, emphasizing the moral imperative of such support. newsnationnow.com
- Critique of Palestinian Leadership (2015): He has questioned the legitimacy and intentions of Palestinian leadership, expressing skepticism about their commitment to peace with Israel. salon.com
- Support for Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital (2017): Huckabee has been a vocal advocate for recognizing Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel, supporting the U.S. embassy move to Jerusalem. en.wikipedia.org
- Opposition to Iran Nuclear Deal (2015): He criticized the Iran nuclear deal, suggesting it endangered Israel and likened it to marching Israelis “to the door of the oven,” referencing the Holocaust. en.wikipedia.org
- Support for Israeli Military Actions (2024): Huckabee has defended Israel’s military actions in Gaza, framing them as necessary responses to terrorism and emphasizing Israel’s right to self-defense. newsnationnow.com
- Advocacy for U.S. Embassy Move (2018): He supported the relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, participating in related events and expressing that it was a long-overdue recognition of reality. en.wikipedia.org
- Critique of Media Coverage (2023): Huckabee has criticized media portrayals of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, accusing outlets of bias against Israel and misrepresenting the nature of the conflict. youtube.com
- Support for Israeli Security Measures (2024): He has endorsed Israel’s security measures, including the construction of barriers and checkpoints, as necessary for protecting its citizens from terrorist attacks. newsnationnow.com
- Advocacy for Stronger Sanctions on Iran (2015): Huckabee has called for stronger sanctions on Iran, citing its support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, which threaten Israel’s security. en.wikipedia.org
- Participation in Pro-Israel Events (2023): He has actively participated in pro-Israel events and tours, often leading groups to Israel to demonstrate solidarity and educate participants about the region’s complexities. timesofisrael.com
- Critique of U.S. Foreign Aid to Palestine (2024): Huckabee has questioned U.S. foreign aid to Palestinian territories, expressing concerns that funds may support activities counterproductive to peace efforts. newsnationnow.com
These statements reflect Huckabee’s unwavering support for Israel and his critical stance toward Palestinian statehood and leadership. As we look at Israel and where and how our nation’s leaders align themselves with respect to Israel it doesn’t seem to lean towards justice.