Friend and frank critic: Huckabee on Israel, Gaza, and why Iran may need a 'third kick of the mule'

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee discussed US-Israel relations, regional violence, and Iran in a Jerusalem Post interview ahead of the embassy's 250th Independence Day celebration. Huckabee emphasized the deep Judeo-Christian foundation of the US and its strong partnership with Israel, stating, "the partnership with Israel is incredibly valuable to the United States."

• He condemned all violence in the West Bank, including that perpetrated by Israelis against Palestinians, asserting, "Violence is violence. It doesn't matter who does it – it should be condemned." He noted that most perpetrators are a small minority not living in established settlements and that their actions damage Israel's global reputation.
• Huckabee affirmed Israel's right to build in Area C under the Oslo Accords, citing the growing Jewish population and the historical connection to the land.
• Regarding Iran, Huckabee expressed exasperation with its refusal to yield despite military setbacks, suggesting a "third kick of the mule" might be necessary.
• He lauded the unprecedented military integration between the US and Israel during their joint strike against Iran, describing it as "a kind of integration that was just unbelievable."