Trump ‘has Israel’s back’, says US envoy amid visit snub concerns

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has played down speculation that President Donald Trump is snubbing Israel by excluding it from his upcoming Middle East tour.

Speaking to Israel’s Channel 12, Huckabee explained that Trump’s itinerary — which includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates — is shaped by a focus on economic ties, not a slight against Israel.

“His first trip is about economic opportunity. That’s where his focus is,” Huckabee said. “What he’s doing is not because he’s snubbing Israel… he’s spent more time with the prime minister of Israel than he has with any other world leader. I think that says a lot.”

Huckabee sought to reassure Israelis that Trump remains a strong supporter of the country. “I would just say to people, ‘relax, calm down, Donald Trump loves you… he’s got your back.’”

On Iran, Huckabee was asked if the US would greenlight Israeli military action should Tehran remain a threat even after a possible nuclear deal. The ambassador replied, “Israel has the right to do what it has to do,” while noting that Washington would offer its own “recommendations.”

He also pushed back against reports of tension between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling claims the former president had distanced himself “a very unfair characteristic.”

“Prime Minister Netanyahu has spent more time with President Trump than I have in the past couple of months,” he said, adding that their ties remain “warm and personal.”