Podcast Summary: The World and Everything In It

Episode: Faith and Foreign Policy

Date: January 17, 2026
Host: Travis Kercher (A)
Guest: US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee (B)

Overview

This special edition of "The World and Everything In It" features an in-depth interview with US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee. The conversation explores how faith shapes foreign policy, the complexities of US-Israel relations, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, religious perspectives on Israel, and practical insight into diplomacy in one of the world’s most contested regions. The episode captures Huckabee’s first-hand experiences on the ground, the biblical and political underpinnings of American support for Israel, and reflections on fostering peace and justice in the Holy Land.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Huckabee’s Calling and Experiences in Israel

Timestamps: [02:06], [02:13]

• Living in Jerusalem is described as "fascinating, interesting, and just enchanting"; Huckabee likens his ambassadorship to a calling from God, highlighting the intense and sometimes perilous nature of his duties.
• “This is not a ceremonial ambassadorship. ...I've been here less than a year and I've been through four wars already.” — Mike Huckabee [02:13]

The Hostage Crisis and the Ceasefire

Timestamps: [03:41], [03:53]

• The major barrier to achieving ceasefire was Hamas' continued holding of hostages.
• Huckabee criticizes international slogans like "from the river to the sea," calling them naïve or malicious.
• “All Hamas had to do was release the hostages, but they chose not to.” — Mike Huckabee [03:53]
• He underscores the existential threat such slogans represent for Israelis.

The Palestinian State: Policy and Conditions

Timestamps: [05:48], [06:08]

• The Trump administration has not explicitly supported or opposed a Palestinian state but insists that real reform within the Palestinian Authority must precede any statehood discussion.
• “If there’s going to be something like a second state, a Palestinian state, it’s going to have to be based on a peaceful view of the future and a respectful view of the right of Israel to live in the homeland…” — Mike Huckabee [07:08]

Palestinian Christians: Between Two Worlds

Timestamps: [07:44], [08:12], [10:38], [10:47]

• Palestinian Christians face persecution from both Muslim authorities and, at times, from Israeli settlers.
• Huckabee advocates equal justice for crimes, regardless of perpetrator.
• “Sometimes the reason that the life there is difficult is because of the corruption of the government.” — Mike Huckabee [08:12]
• He calls for both Israeli and Palestinian authorities to openly condemn and punish violence.

Bethlehem and Interfaith Interactions

Timestamps: [11:56], [12:10]

• Bethlehem’s Christmas celebrations are highlighted, with a relaxation of prior restrictions allowing US Embassy personnel to visit.
• Huckabee emphasizes the importance of open cultural exchange while maintaining proper security.

Israel and Biblical Prophecy

Timestamps: [13:48], [14:10]

• Huckabee believes modern Israel fulfills biblical prophecy but is cautious not to speculate about the end times.
• “I do believe that it was a fulfillment of prophecy for Israel to come back home and to return to the land that God gave them…” — Mike Huckabee [14:10]

The Temple Mount and Status Quo

Timestamps: [15:19], [15:56], [18:09], [18:15]

• The Trump administration doesn't officially support a third temple; such matters are left for the Israelis to decide.
• Huckabee commends Israel’s efforts to safeguard Muslim, Christian, and Jewish holy sites.
• “Israel, to its credit, protects Muslim and Christian sites with the same level of fervor and tenacity with which they protect Jewish sites.” — Mike Huckabee [15:56]
• On personal worship at a potential Third Temple, Huckabee emphasizes spiritual, not physical, connection to God.

Settlements in the West Bank

Timestamps: [19:06], [19:33]

• The Trump administration considers Jewish settlement in Area C of the West Bank as consistent with international law, contrasting this with the Biden administration’s stance.
• No current moves toward annexation or sovereignty are on the table.
• “The Trump administration has said this is not a violation of international law, that it would be inappropriate to tell Americans you can’t live in Texas or ... Missouri.” — Mike Huckabee [19:33]

Focus on the Middle East Amid Global Shifts

Timestamps: [20:57], [21:04]

• Despite shifts in focus to the Western Hemisphere or other global issues, the Middle East and Israel will remain of intense interest and strategic importance.

Prayer, Peace, and Mutual Respect

Timestamps: [21:59], [22:10]

• Huckabee urges listeners to pray for mutual recognition of the humanity and value of all people in the region as a foundation for peace.
• He requests prayers for his own stamina and wisdom in service.
• “Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is to pray that people will see each other as fellow human beings…” — Mike Huckabee [22:10]

Lighter Moment: Israeli Cuisine

Timestamps: [23:30], [23:42]

• Huckabee praises the freshness and quality of Israeli produce and cuisine, particularly hummus and fish.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “I feel like that this is as much a call from God as anything I’ve ever done in my life.” — Mike Huckabee [02:13]
• “All Hamas had to do was release the hostages, but they chose not to.” — Mike Huckabee [03:53]
• “If the person that you murder is a Jewish—well, you can’t bring about a peaceful settlement, and you cannot grant a state as long as that mindset continues to exist.” — Mike Huckabee [07:08]
• “Crime is crime, terrorism is terrorism. Whoever does it should be consequenced and adjudicated to the full extent of the law…” — Mike Huckabee [08:12]
• “I do believe that it was a fulfillment of prophecy for Israel to come back home…” — Mike Huckabee [14:10]
• “Israel, to its credit, protects Muslim and Christian sites with the same level of fervor and tenacity…” — Mike Huckabee [15:56]
• “Praying for the peace of Jerusalem is to pray that people will see each other as fellow human beings…” — Mike Huckabee [22:10]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [02:06] Huckabee on life and challenges in Jerusalem
• [03:53] Obstacles to ceasefire and hostage release
• [06:08] Policy on a Palestinian state
• [08:12] Issues of justice and Palestinian Christians’ plight
• [10:47] Meeting with Palestinian Christians
• [12:10] Bethlehem’s Christmas and embassy engagement
• [14:10] Israel as biblical prophecy
• [15:56] The Temple Mount and religious site protections
• [19:33] Settlements in the West Bank and international law
• [22:10] How to pray for Jerusalem and for Huckabee
• [23:42] The best food in the Middle East

Tone and Style

The conversation is thoughtful, candid, and at times personal—blending policy analysis with expressions of faith and empathy. Huckabee’s tone is both reflective and firm, particularly when addressing the necessity of justice and the value of historical and religious context in foreign affairs.

This summary distills the dynamic interplay between theology and geopolitics discussed in this episode, providing an accessible roadmap for listeners seeking to understand the nuances behind faith-driven diplomacy and the enduring significance of Israel in US foreign policy.