The World and Everything In It Faith and foreign policy
Jan 17, 2026
Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas and U.S. Ambassador to Israel, discusses living in Jerusalem and the ongoing conflicts he faced. He addresses Hamas's hostage strategy and outlines necessary reforms for Palestinian statehood. Huckabee shares poignant insights on the challenges Palestinian Christians face and underscores Israel's role in protecting holy sites. He expresses his belief in the prophetic significance of Israel's return while reflecting on the importance of the Middle East amid shifting U.S. priorities. He also shares his love for Israeli cuisine and local life.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Life In Jerusalem Feels Like A Calling
- Mike Huckabee describes Jerusalem as the most fascinating and enchanting city he's lived in.
- He says serving as U.S. ambassador to Israel feels like a divine calling despite stress and missile threats.
Hostages Prolonged The Conflict
- Huckabee argues Hamas prolonged the war by using hostages as leverage and refusing early release.
- He says many protesters shouting 'from the river to the sea' misunderstand that phrase's implication for Israel's existence.
Require PA Reforms Before Statehood
- Huckabee emphasizes reforms in the Palestinian Authority as prerequisite for any viable Palestinian state.
- He points to stopping payments that reward terrorism and changing textbooks that glorify killing Jews.