Newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, expressed strong disapproval of the leaders of the U.K., France, and Canada for condemning Israel’s recent intensified military offensive in Gaza. In an interview with NPR, Huckabee said these countries are “blaming the wrong perpetrator,” insisting that Hamas is solely responsible for the ongoing suffering. His comments reflect a sharp contrast with the increasingly critical tone from several Western allies regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Israel Faces Intensified Criticism And Diplomatic Fallout Over Renewed Gaza Military Offensive
Israel launched a renewed offensive on Gaza, involving heavy airstrikes and mass evacuation orders, leading to hundreds of Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health authorities. The move comes after months of total blockade, with Israel only recently permitting limited humanitarian aid into the region.
However, the aid has yet to reach civilians. In response, the U.K., France, and Canada issued a joint statement denouncing the Israeli military actions as “wholly disproportionate” and the food aid as “wholly inadequate.”
Ambassador Huckabee Defends Israel as Allies Condemn Gaza Offensive and Diplomatic Rift WidensThe criticism from European powers has moved beyond words. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the suspension of trade talks with Israel, while the European Union is reassessing its political and economic agreements with the country. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic.” These developments signal a growing diplomatic rift between Israel and some of its traditional Western allies.
Huckabee Defends Israel, Citing World War II, And Rejects Criticism Over Gaza Offensive
Ambassador Huckabee invoked World War II history to defend Israel’s military actions. He argued that the Allied bombings, which were instrumental in ending Nazi threats, are now overlooked by nations criticizing Israel for defending itself. He labeled such criticism as “disgustingly hypocritical” and accused European nations of forgetting their own past. Huckabee’s remarks emphasized his belief in Israel’s right to defend itself in the face of what he described as an existential threat from Hamas.
According to Gaza health officials, over 53,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. Pope Leo XIV also voiced concern, calling the situation in Gaza “worrying and painful,” and emphasized the immense toll on vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Huckabee rejected reports that former President Trump was growing frustrated with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu over the renewed offensive, stating that Trump’s real frustration lies with Hamas, not Israel.
