In a strongly worded letter to Israeli Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee voiced his dissatisfaction with Israel's refusal to grant collective entry visas to numerous Christian organizations, according to a report by N12 on Thursday.
Huckabee stated, "It would be unfortunate if we were forced to publicly disclose that Israel is engaging in harassment and displaying a negative stance toward these groups." He concluded with a pointed warning: "Should this continue, I will have no choice but to consider implementing reciprocal measures against Israeli citizens requesting US visas."
The letter, one of the most severe ever sent by a US ambassador to an Israeli official, was also forwarded to several high-ranking Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, the N12 report added.
N12 further elaborated on Huckabee's remarks, where he noted the irony of Israel's stance against Christian organizations despite the strong US-Israel alliance under President Trump. According to Huckabee, the Israeli Interior Ministry has been independently investigating each evangelical organization, requiring them to submit detailed forms regarding their religious beliefs, activities, and assets in Israel.
As a result, these groups have been denied new visas for religious representatives, pending the investigation’s conclusion, the report noted.
Expressing disbelief, Huckabee remarked, "It is incomprehensible that the situation is deteriorating rather than improving. The US and evangelical Christian organizations are Israel’s allies, yet we are being treated like adversaries. As the US Ambassador, I formally request a resolution to the deteriorating relations with the Ministry of the Interior to avoid further escalation."
Huckabee continued, saying, "It would be deeply unfortunate if our embassy is forced to publicly inform Americans that Israel does not welcome Christian organizations and is instead subjecting them to harassment and ill treatment." Huckabee also warned, "We will have no choice but to inform American Christians that their generous contributions are being met with hostility and advise them to reconsider their travel plans."
Huckabee's letter ended with a firm warning: "If the Israeli government continues its bureaucratic harassment, I will have no choice but to instruct our consular department to consider reciprocal actions against Israeli citizens applying for US visas. This is not the type of relationship Israel wants to maintain with its closest ally."
Interior Minister Moshe Arbel responds
Interior Minister Moshe Arbel expressed surprise at the letter in a direct response to Huckabee, N12 reported, stating, "I was taken aback by your message, and the course of action you took exceeds usual diplomatic norms."
Arbel continued, "As I near the end of my term as Interior Minister, I address your concerns regarding the handling of visa applications from evangelical organizations. You have claimed that our handling of these applications deviates from previous understandings, but I assure you, this is not the case."
The minister emphasized his commitment to addressing the matter promptly: "As I discussed during our previous meeting, I am committed to ensuring the swift processing of these requests. Following our conversation, I directed all relevant professionals to act accordingly, and I appointed a team from my office, led by my chief of staff, to ensure the effective and ongoing processing of these matters."
Arbel further assured Huckabee, "To the best of my knowledge and after consulting with Attorney Kyle Michael Myers, who is representing your interests, each request I received has been dealt with swiftly. I have instructed the same approach for the cases mentioned in your letter, which were not previously brought to my attention."
Expressing surprise at the ambassador’s actions, Arbel added, "Considering the direct and ongoing communication between my office and yours, and the swift handling of each inquiry, I was surprised that your claims were presented in this manner, especially your decision to send the letter to multiple senior officials without first reaching out to me directly. In my view, this approach goes beyond the expected norms and does not reflect the constructive relationship we have developed."
The exchange follows Huckabee’s appearance at the District Court on Wednesday, where Netanyahu was testifying in his ongoing trial. Huckabee showed support by bringing along a "Bibi" doll. Before entering the courtroom, Huckabee commented at a local government conference, "It’s hard to perform the duties elected officials are entrusted with when they are bogged down by legal issues. President Trump understands the strain of managing such a difficult term while being tied up in courtrooms, facing judges who aren’t always fair."