Mike Huckabee, Trump’s pick for ambassador to Israel, has long called himself a Zionist

Mike Huckabee, Trump’s pick for ambassador to Israel, has long called himself a Zionist
Mike Huckabee in the West Bank in August 2018. (AP)
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Updated 14 November 2024
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Mike Huckabee, Trump’s pick for ambassador to Israel, has long called himself a Zionist

Mike Huckabee, Trump’s pick for ambassador to Israel, has long called himself a Zionist
  • Huckabee has never supported a two-state compromise even when Netanyahu endorsed the idea in 2009

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to be ambassador to Israel, has long rejected a Palestinian state in territory previously seized by Israel and has repeatedly signaled his staunch support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Huckabee, a former TV host and Baptist preacher, frequently visits Israel and once said he wanted to buy a holiday home there. He has maintained throughout the years that the West Bank belongs to Israel, and recently said “the title deed was given by God to Abraham and to his heirs.”
His argument for a so-called “one-state solution” contradicts longstanding official US support for the eventual establishment of a Palestinian state.
He has described the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas as “horrific” and ” beyond anything I’ve ever witnessed in my lifetime” and argued that the US needs to stand firmly behind Israel.
Here are some things Huckabee has said over the years about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
He is decisively against a two-state solution
Huckabee has never supported a two-state compromise even when Netanyahu endorsed the idea in 2009.
Israel captured the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war. Palestinians want those territories for a future state and view them as parts of a single country now under military occupation.
The US, along with most of the international community, has supported the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 lines as the cornerstone of a peace agreement. Even Israel’s hard-line prime minister once endorsed a two-state solution while rejecting a return to Israel’s pre-1967 lines. Netanyahu now rejects the creation of a Palestinian state.
Huckabee has never supported any solution that would require Israeli settlers to be uprooted.
In an interview with The Associated Press in 2015, Huckabee, then running for the GOP presidential nomination, said recognizing the West Bank as Israeli would be the “formal position” of his administration. He criticized Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza and described settlers evacuated by Israeli forces as having been “marched at gunpoint.”
“I feel that we have a responsibility to respect that this is land that has historically belonged to the Jews,” he said.
He once compared the Iran nuclear deal to the Holocaust
In 2015, Huckabee likened the Iran nuclear deal to marching Israelis “to the door of the oven,” a reference to the crematorium in a Nazi concentration camp during the Holocaust.
Huckabee was criticizing then-President Barack Obama for his role in the agreement the US and other world powers reached with Tehran. Republicans back then were united in their opposition to the deal, arguing it didn’t address Iran’s support for terrorism. Trump during his first administration withdrew from the deal, in which Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
The comment was denounced by Democrats, but Huckabee stood by it.
He doesn’t accept Palestinians as a term and criticizes ‘radical Muslims’
In a recent interview with a podcaster, Huckabee said he did not believe in referring to the Arab descendants of people who lived in British-controlled Palestine as “Palestinians.”
“There really isn’t such a thing,” he said earlier this year on “Think Twice” with Jonathan Tobin. “It’s a term that was co-opted by Yasser Arafat in 1962,” referring to one of the early leaders of the Palestine Liberation Organization.
During the same podcast, Huckabee described himself as an “unapologetic, unreformed Zionist.”
In defending Israel, Huckabee said he wished people understood that “this is an extraordinary oasis in a land of totalitarianism surrounded by tyranny.”
The former governor also said many “radical Muslims want to take us back to the seventh century.”
“I don’t want to go back there,” he said. “I like modernity.”
He expresses outrage over Oct. 7 attack by Hamas
Huckabee has described the attack on Oct. 7, 2023, as “horrific” and “beyond anything I’ve ever witnessed in my lifetime.” He was outraged by how Hamas spread images of the killings on social media.
“As horrible as the Nazis were, they weren’t posting their atrocities on social media and trying to trumpet what they were doing to the world,” he said in an appearance with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. “Which is what makes this horrendous thing Hamas has done so much, to me, worse, because they want everyone to see what they’ve done.”
Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took about 250 people hostage. Israel responded with one of the deadliest and most destructive military campaigns in recent history, killing more than 43,000 people, Palestinian health officials say.


5G advanced in Saudi Arabia with launch of first live Cloud RAN site

5G advanced in Saudi Arabia with launch of first live Cloud RAN site
Updated 6 min 20 sec ago
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5G advanced in Saudi Arabia with launch of first live Cloud RAN site

5G advanced in Saudi Arabia with launch of first live Cloud RAN site

JEDDAH: The Saudi telecom sector is set to advance with the launch of its first live Cloud Radio Access Network site, marking a significant step in the Kingdom’s 5G innovation.

Finnish technology company Nokia and Zain KSA announced on March 25 the completion of the site, which achieved peak download speeds of 1.5 gigabits per second when connected to the telecom company’s 5G core network.

The trial commenced on Dec. 24 and concluded on Jan. 26, according to a statement.

As part of its national digital transformation strategy, Saudi Arabia is investing in advanced technologies, with the successful Cloud RAN trial highlighting the potential of a flexible, multi-vendor ecosystem to meet evolving customer demands and support emerging enterprise applications.

This innovation, along with Vision 2030 initiatives, is expected to drive the value of the 5G sector in the Kingdom to $13.41 billion by 2029, up from $2.1 billion in 2023, according to TechSci Research.

Mohammed Al-Nujaidi, chief technology officer at Zain KSA, said the company strives to deliver transformative digital experiences that empower its customers to thrive in a fast-evolving market.

“Partnering with Nokia on the Kingdom’s first live Cloud RAN site allows us to explore new service models, reduce ongoing network costs, and respond more quickly to our enterprise and individual consumer demands,” he said.

The CTO added: “Increased network agility will support a wide array of new use cases, underscoring our role in driving Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation.”

Mohammad Al-Tayeh, customer team head for Zain Group and Zain KSA at Nokia mobile networks, said that the deployment of the Kingdom’s first live Cloud RAN site is a testament to Nokia’s dedication to delivering next-generation networking solutions.

“By introducing a fully cloud-native approach, we not only match the performance of purpose-built RAN but also create a future-ready platform that supports AI-RAN, Open RAN, and even potential 6G innovations,” Al-Tayeh said.

He further noted that the partnership with Zain KSA showcases how cloudification can enhance resource optimization, lower the total cost of ownership, and unlock new growth opportunities across various sectors in the Kingdom.

This deployment highlights the potential of cloud-native architectures in enhancing network efficiency, reducing total cost of ownership, and accelerating time-to-market — key benefits for communications service providers and enterprise customers seeking to modernize their networks.

Nokia’s Cloud RAN approach ensures peak performance by delivering full feature parity with purpose-built solutions. The trial also lays a strong foundation for future innovations, including AI-RAN, Open RAN, and potential 6G networks.

In January, Nokia announced it had partnered with Zain KSA to launch the first 4G/5G Femtocell solution in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East and Africa region, aimed at improving mobile coverage and optimizing connectivity for enterprise customers.


Sotheby’s to auction rare Islamic arms and armor collection 

Sotheby’s to auction rare Islamic arms and armor collection 
Updated 27 min 37 sec ago
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Sotheby’s to auction rare Islamic arms and armor collection 

Sotheby’s to auction rare Islamic arms and armor collection 

DUBAI: Sotheby’s is set to showcase a collection of Islamic arms and armor, representing more than 500 years of history and spanning more than 100 lots in April in London, Dubai and at the biannual Arts of the Islamic World & India. 

The collection presents the artistic traditions of numerous Islamic dynasties, from Spain to Indonesia, and is the result of over 50 years of study and acquisition by scholar-collector Philippe Gilles René Missillier (1949-2022).

The auction will take place on April 29 at Sotheby’s London, followed by the biannual Arts of the Islamic World & India sale on April 30. 

The collection presents the artistic traditions of numerous Islamic dynasties, from Spain to Indonesia. (Supplied)

Prior to the auctions, highlights from the collection will be exhibited at Sotheby’s Dubai gallery in Dubai International Financial Center from April 7-11. 

The collection highlights the technological evolution of weaponry, tracing developments from the equestrian age of chivalry through the gunpowder revolution and into the modern era. 

The items showcase skilled craftsmanship, featuring vegetal and geometric patterns combined with calligraphy. Similar motifs appear across different weapons, highlighting the connections between Islamic art across time and place.

An exceptional Sabre presented to Claude Martin by Nawab Asaf Al-Dawla of Awadh, India, late 18th century (estimate £300,000-500,000). (Supplied)

Notable items include rare Mamluk and Aqqoyunlu pieces, as well as examples from the Safavid, Ottoman and Mughal empires. Highlights include artifacts from the Siege of Vienna’s Turkenbeute and the personal swords of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and French army officer Claude Martin.

Missillier, who assembled the collection over half a century, immersed himself in his field, visiting museums, attending auctions and studying reference works. 

His collection was exhibited in Paris in 1988 as part of Splendour des Armes Orientales, the largest exhibition of its kind in the 20th and 21st centuries. 

This upcoming sale marks the first public viewing of the collection since that exhibition.


Saudi Arabia gears up for Saudi Green Initiative Day on March 27

Saudi Arabia gears up for Saudi Green Initiative Day on March 27
Updated 35 min 40 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia gears up for Saudi Green Initiative Day on March 27

Saudi Arabia gears up for Saudi Green Initiative Day on March 27

Riyadh: As Saudi Arabia prepares to mark Saudi Green Initiative Day on March 27, the Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.

The national event highlights Saudi Arabia’s efforts to combat climate change while fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In the lead-up to the occasion, the Saudi Green Initiative launched several interactive campaigns during Ramadan to encourage public participation in sustainable practices.

Social media users can still contribute by sharing their photos on the Saudi Green Initiative Day Photo Board, a show of the community’s dedication to eco-friendly initiatives.

The initiative’s mascot, Nomoor, continues to engage youth and children through the “30 Positive Steps to Protect the Environment” challenge, promoting sustainable habits across all age groups.

Three winners of the challenge will be announced on Saudi Green Initiative Day in recognition of their contributions.

With the submission deadline approaching, participants are encouraged to highlight their sustainable Ramadan practices and join the challenge. 

Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Green Initiative Day underscores the Kingdom’s ambitious sustainability goals, calling for collective action in climate efforts and environmental awareness.


Pakistan gets first iPhone trade-in program

Pakistan gets first iPhone trade-in program
Updated 42 min 58 sec ago
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Pakistan gets first iPhone trade-in program

Pakistan gets first iPhone trade-in program
  • Jazz, leading digital conglomerate, and Mercantile, Apple’s authorized distributor, launch initiative 
  • Customers can trade in old PTA-approved iPhone 11, newer models for discount on iPhone 16 series

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s leading digital conglomerate Jazz has partnered with Mercantile, Apple’s authorized distributor, to introduce the country’s first-ever iPhone trade-in program, a press release said on Tuesday. 

Under the initiative, customers can trade in their old PTA-approved iPhone 11 or newer models to receive a discount on the latest iPhone 16 series. Jazz and Mercantile are also offering an additional subsidy bonus on top of the trade-in value.

“As a digital leader, Jazz is committed to bridging the digital divide in Pakistan. Our partnership with Mercantile to launch the first iPhone Trade-In Program reflects our focus on innovation and customer convenience,” Ali Fahd, Head of Marketing at Jazz, said. 

“By making premium devices more accessible, we are empowering customers to enhance their digital lifestyle with seamless connectivity and value-added services.”

Nauman Durrani, CEO of Mercantile Pakistan, said the launch would simplify how people in Pakistan could access latest iPhone models:

“By working with Jazz, we’re offering a clear, straightforward way for customers to upgrade from older devices and enjoy a better user experience.”

The program is currently available at Jazz Experience Centers in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi. The trade-in offer applies to full-price purchases only and is not available on postpaid installment plans at this stage.

In addition to the trade-in program, Jazz has introduced an exclusive six-month bundle for customers purchasing a PTA-approved iPhone 16 through Jazz. This package includes 200GB of Internet, 6 months of free airtime, e-SIM activation, discount vouchers, and handset insurance worth up to Rs. 100,000 covering theft, loss, and damage for 6 months.

Jazz is also offering the iPhone 16 series on an 18-month installment plan for only postpaid customers, providing flexible payment options to suit varying needs.


Kuwait’s inflation steady at 2.49% in Feb., driven by food and services prices

Kuwait’s inflation steady at 2.49% in Feb., driven by food and services prices
Updated 25 March 2025
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Kuwait’s inflation steady at 2.49% in Feb., driven by food and services prices

Kuwait’s inflation steady at 2.49% in Feb., driven by food and services prices

RIYADH: Kuwait’s inflation rate remained steady at 2.49 percent in February, with a year-on-year upsurge in services and food prices, according to the latest data from the Central Statistical Bureau. 

The measure was broadly the same level as the 2.5% figure seen in both January and December.

In February, the index reached 135.7, reflecting continued price increases across several major expenditure categories. While the overall inflation rate remains moderate, specific sectors experienced significant annual cost escalations.

The food and beverage sector recorded a 5.23 percent year-on-year increase, followed by the clothing and footwear division, which saw a 4.63 percent surge.

Prices in the miscellaneous goods and services sector increased by 5.46 percent, driven by higher costs for personal goods and services. Healthcare costs also saw a notable increase of 4.08 percent, while the furnishing and household maintenance division rose 3.04 percent.

Kuwait’s inflation trends align closely with those seen in other Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Saudi Arabia’s inflation remained steady at 2 percent year-on-year in February, primarily driven by an 8.5 percent increase in housing rents. In contrast, Oman recorded a milder annual inflation increase of 1 percent in the same month, led by a 6.3 percent rise in the personal goods and miscellaneous services sector.

The Central Statistical Bureau report highlighted the price trends across different expenditure groups and provided insight into the movement of key categories within the consumer price index.

Despite overall inflation remaining relatively stable, Kuwait’s housing services sector showed minimal movement, rising just 0.90 percent annually and remaining unchanged on a month-to-month basis. 

Transport prices declined by 1.19 percent over the past year, though they saw a minor monthly uptick of 0.07 percent. The communication division recorded a slight annual increase of 0.88 percent, while the recreation and culture sector rose by 2.48 percent. 

Education costs saw a small 0.71 percent increase, and the restaurants and hotels sector recorded a 2.03 percent annual rise.

The report showed that the total index, excluding food, rose by 1.93 percent annually, while the total index, excluding housing, increased by 3.13 percent. These figures suggest that inflationary pressure is primarily driven by non-housing-related expenses.

This comes as Kuwait continues to recover in its non-oil sector, supported by easing inflation. Its non-oil exports rose to 23.2 million dinars ($74.9 million) in December, marking a 12.08 percent month-on-month increase, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

In its latest consultation with Kuwait in December, the International Monetary Fund highlighted Kuwait’s non-oil sector recovery amid easing inflation. However, it noted a 1.5 percent gross domestic product contraction in the second quarter of 2024, driven by a 6.8 percent drop in the oil sector.