State of the World from NPR An Interview with President Trump's Ambassador to Israel
May 21, 2025
Mike Huckabee, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, shares his views on the Israel-Hamas conflict, expressing outrage over condemnation of Israel's military actions by leaders in the UK, France, and Canada. He emphasizes U.S. support for Israel's right to self-defense and critiques the global reaction to humanitarian issues tied to the conflict. The discussion also touches on the historical context of Palestinian identity and the complexities of aid distribution amidst ongoing violence, highlighting the urgent need for resolution.
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Hamas Blocks Hostage Talks
- Hamas has deliberately stalled hostage negotiations to maintain leverage, hoping to appear victorious.
- The U.S. will not support any situation where Hamas survives governing or armed in Gaza.
U.S. Supports Israel's Offensive
- The U.S. supports Israel's sovereignty and right to military action after brutal attacks.
- Criticism of Israel's offensive by allies like U.K., France, and Canada wrongly shifts blame from Hamas.
War's Human Toll Illustrated
- Huckabee met a young Israeli soldier who lost an arm in Gaza but survived.
- About 800 Israeli Defense Forces soldiers have died in the Gaza conflict, underscoring war's human cost.