US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee Predicts New Iran Uprising, Long Road for Lebanon Security

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated that the Iranian people might witness a new wave of protests against the regime, which he believes is currently in its weakest phase in decades. He suggested that future protests could see Iranians better prepared and armed to resist the government. Huckabee also commented on the Iranian issue, emphasizing that it concerns the United States as well as Israel, and that the Trump administration's goals of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and controlling maritime navigation are progressing.

Regarding Lebanon, Huckabee indicated that the Lebanese army might eventually assume security responsibilities in southern Lebanon after the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, concludes its mission. However, he cautioned that this transition would take years, and that Hezbollah would remain a threat as long as Iran provides it with funding and weapons. He also criticized UNIFIL's performance as ineffective and suggested its mission should have ended earlier.

In the West Bank, Huckabee reiterated the need to address settler violence against Palestinians, calling such acts of intimidation unacceptable. He noted that while a small minority of Israelis are involved in such actions, Israel is increasingly recognizing the necessity of dealing with the phenomenon forcefully. He called for actual punishments, including detention for repeat offenders, for acts like arson, livestock theft, and home seizures.

Huckabee also expressed concern over anti-Israel rhetoric in the U.S., rejecting accusations of genocide or apartheid against Israel. He criticized American media personality Tucker Carlson for his current stance, stating he is not the same person he once knew. Finally, he suggested that Middle Eastern issues might have less impact on upcoming U.S. midterm elections compared to domestic concerns.