In a stunning fusion of faith, politics, and conflict, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee placed a handwritten note from Donald Trump into Jerusalem’s Western Wall, calling for peace even as Israeli bombs fell on Gaza and regional tensions exploded.
At a Glance
- Mike Huckabee visited the Western Wall with a handwritten note from Donald Trump
- The note read: “For peace in Israel. D.T.”
- Visit coincided with deadly Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that killed at least 25
- Huckabee emphasized unwavering U.S. support for Israel and hostages’ return
- Critics say the act politicized a sacred site during violent escalation
Trump’s Note Delivered as Gaza Death Toll Mounts
Mike Huckabee’s first official act as U.S. Ambassador to Israel was to visit the Western Wall and place a brief, handwritten note from Donald Trump into the sacred stones. The message simply read, “For peace in Israel. D.T.” Huckabee said it was a personal request from Trump, meant to “send a message of support and prayer” during Holy Week. As reported by The Times of London, the ambassador made the visit alongside religious leaders including Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch.
But while Huckabee carried a message of peace, Israeli military actions were intensifying. That same day, airstrikes killed at least 25 Palestinians, including children, in Gaza neighborhoods such as Khan Younis and Jabaliya. According to AP News, the strikes are part of Israel’s response to Hamas’s October 2023 assault that killed over 1,200 Israelis.
Political Symbolism Sparks Debate
The contrast between Trump’s prayer and the ongoing violence has ignited criticism. While supporters praised the symbolic gesture, others accused the administration of exploiting a sacred religious moment to score political points amid crisis. Huckabee, a longtime Trump ally and evangelical leader, used the visit to reinforce the U.S. position, declaring that “Israel will never be alone,” as quoted by Fox News.
The timing of the message—Holy Week and Passover—also raised eyebrows. As noted by The Times of Israel, such visits are often highly symbolic, but rarely so politically charged.
Watch the scene unfold in Fox News’ coverage: Huckabee visits iconic holy site in Israel.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Beyond the symbolism, the humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to worsen. Over 51,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, according to AP. The Israeli blockade has left aid trucks waiting at the border for weeks, triggering malnutrition and food shortages for civilians trapped in the crossfire.
Huckabee also called for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, stating it was a central part of the prayer he delivered. But the gesture, while heartfelt to some, has been seen by others as tone-deaf given the scale of suffering currently unfolding in Gaza.
A Controversial Start for Huckabee
Huckabee’s confirmation as ambassador was contentious. Approved by a near party-line Senate vote of 53–46, his appointment was celebrated by pro-Israel conservatives but criticized by foreign policy analysts who pointed to his lack of diplomatic experience. Reuters reported that he has visited Israel over 100 times and publicly supports Israeli settlements—positions that make him a controversial figure in any peace negotiation context.
Now, with one of his first major appearances marked by global scrutiny and deadly conflict, Huckabee’s ambassadorship is already testing the delicate balance between symbolism and statecraft. And as Gaza smolders and sacred sites become stages for politics, many are left wondering: is peace the goal, or just the performance?
