U.S. Ambassador Huckabee Makes Secret Solidarity Visit to Shiloh in Benjamin

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee made a discreet solidarity visit on Friday to the ancient site of Shiloh in the Benjamin region, a trip that was kept quiet until reported by ynet. The visit took place amid heightened security tensions with Iran and intensified strikes in Hezbollah’s Dahieh stronghold in Lebanon.

Shiloh is one of Israel’s major archaeological sites and is identified with the spiritual and political center of the Israelites during the period of the Judges, when the Tabernacle stood there for 369 years before the First Temple was built in Jerusalem. Excavations at the site have uncovered ancient walls, biblical-era structures, and rich ritual finds.

The ambassador toured the dig area facing the Tabernacle site and, alongside the fourth wine festival held there, took part in uncovering artifacts from the soil. His visit came just days after three ancient jars, thousands of years old, were revealed at the site. Huckabee called them “a reminder of history.”

He added, “There have been so many attempts over the centuries to break Israel and the Jewish people, but God is putting them back together, and He is already doing that before our eyes.” Benjamin Regional Council head and Yesha Council chairman Israel Ganz, who accompanied Huckabee, said the ambassador’s presence sent “a strategic, resonant statement” of support for Israel, and a clear message to Iran and the world that the U.S.-Israel alliance remains strong and unshakeable.