US Senator Chris Van Hollen has publicly called for the resignation of US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, leveling accusations that the diplomat has failed to protect American interests and has instead become an "apologist" for the Israeli government. In a video message shared on X on Monday, Van Hollen asserted that the primary duty of an American ambassador is to defend the United States, a responsibility he claims Huckabee has neglected.
The senator's criticism centered on recent remarks made by Huckabee regarding the concept of "Greater Israel." When asked if he would support Israel taking control of the associated territories, Huckabee reportedly responded that "it would be fine if they took it all." Van Hollen further accused the ambassador of failing to ensure the safety of American citizens in the region, citing specific instances of alleged mistreatment and wrongful detention of Americans.
Van Hollen highlighted that he and 30 other senators had previously pressured Huckabee to hold the Israeli government accountable for the deaths of more than nine Americans over the past four years. Additionally, the senator argued that Huckabee has failed to protect Christian communities in the Holy Land, despite the ambassador’s prior stated concerns for these groups. Van Hollen pointed to an increase in violent settler attacks on Christian villages in the West Bank, which he claims occur with impunity.
"He apparently doesn't care, and he's become a complete apologist for the most extreme Israeli government in history," Van Hollen stated. The senator concluded his remarks by reiterating that because Huckabee has allegedly failed to defend American interests, he should resign from his post immediately.
