Washington will decline to participate in a conference scheduled for next month in New York City, organized by France and Saudi Arabia to advance Palestinian state recognition, according to US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee in an exclusive conversation with Fox News Digital conducted in Jerusalem this week.
Fox News Digital reported that Huckabee characterized the timing as deeply problematic, stating: "It's incredibly inappropriate in the midst of a war that Israel is dealing with to go out and present something that I think increasingly Israelis are steadfast against."
The ambassador offered a provocative alternative to French involvement, explaining to Fox News Digital: "Oct. 7 changed a lot of things. If France is really so determined to see a Palestinian state, I have a suggestion for them – carve out a piece of the French Riviera and create a Palestinian state. They are welcome to do that, but they are not welcome to impose that kind of pressure on a sovereign nation. And I find it revolting that they think they have the right to do such a thing."
Regarding American participation, Huckabee emphasized to Fox News Digital: "I hope they will reconsider but the US will not participate. It simply will not be a part of such a ruse."
Fox News Digital learned that Huckabee addressed recently documented strains between the allied nations, noting potential policy disagreements between the Trump administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government while dismissing concerns about damaged bilateral relations.
According to Fox News Digital, the ambassador explained: "I don't think pro-Israel Americans need to be concerned that there's some rift between the United States and Israel. Are there sometimes differences of opinion on the next steps in the war in Gaza, getting the hostages home, or maybe to avoid an all-out war with Iran? Of course, that's natural."
Huckabee detailed the enduring nature of US-Israel cooperation to Fox News Digital, declaring: "But as far as the relationship between Israel and the US, that is not in any way at risk, nor is it in any way splintered or fractured. It's solid, it has to be. We don't have a choice. It's critically important that the United States maintains its partnership – and I use that word very deliberately – it's not a friendship, it's not an alliance, it's a partnership, which means we are yoked together in our intelligence sharing, military – so many ways in which our nations are linked inseparably."
Fox News Digital reported that during discussions about Washington-Tehran dialogue, the ambassador characterized the Islamic Republic as "one of the if not the greatest, threats to world peace," cautioning that it represents a severe and immediate existential danger not only to Israel, but also to multiple Gulf nations and ultimately to America.
"If France is really so determined to see a Palestinian state, I have a suggestion for them–carve out a piece of the French Riviera." https://t.co/OJUruJXXkd #FoxNews
— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@USAmbIsrael) June 1, 2025
The ambassador revealed Iran's strategic thinking to Fox News Digital, explaining: "The Iranians have said Israel is the 'Little Satan,' but America is the 'Great Satan.' They've always treated Israel as the appetizer and the United States as the entrée." He added: "It's just important when people tell you over and over for 46 years they plan to kill you, you might want to start taking them seriously."
Despite these concerns, Fox News Digital learned that Huckabee maintained optimism regarding ongoing nuclear negotiations between the nations, hoping they would succeed and prevent military confrontation.
However, Huckabee warned Fox News Digital about the consequences of diplomatic failure, stating: "But when diplomacy fails, the soldiers show up."
The ambassador expressed skepticism about Iranian intentions to Fox News Digital, saying: "I find it hard to believe the Iranians, after all these years of pushing towards a nuclear device that is weaponized, would suddenly come to their senses and say we've changed. We don't want that anymore, but let's hope they do. But if they don't, the president has been incredibly clear that Iran is not going to have a nuclear weapon."
Fox News Digital reported that regarding Israel's continuing conflict against Hamas operatives in the Gaza Strip, Huckabee stressed that the violence could cease immediately if Hamas chooses appropriate action.
The ambassador told Fox News Digital: "All of us are hoping and praying that Hamas will finally give up all the hostages and release them, and then they will depart Gaza for good. If they do these two things, this is over." He continued: "It could have been over on Oct. 8, 2023; it should have been. What they did was unthinkable, horrific, heinous, uncivilized, savage behavior."
Fox News Digital learned that Huckabee emphasized President Donald Trump's consistent position that Hamas lacks any future in Gaza, stating: "They can't rule it, they can't stay."
The ambassador revealed Israeli proposals to Fox News Digital, explaining: "Israel has been clear that they are willing to put them on airplanes and fly them out in exile, they have a way out, but they don't have a way in. They have to go, and all hostages living and dead have to be returned."
Fox News Digital reported that Huckabee expressed hope for immediate resolution of the hostage situation.
During Thursday's conversation with Fox News Digital, he discussed the hostages personally, stating: "This pin that I wear on my lapel – one of the happiest days of my life will be when I can take this pin off and permanently put it away, never to wear it again, because that means all of the hostages have come home."
Fox News Digital also reported that Huckabee conveyed confidence about expanding the Abraham Accords, established during Trump's initial presidency, which normalized relations between Israel and four Arab nations: the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco.
While avoiding identification of specific countries considering participation, Huckabee informed Fox News Digital: "There are a number of nations that now realize that having enmity with Israel is meaningless." He elaborated: "It is a delicate path for some countries; they can't go faster than their people are willing to go and accept … but there is a great atmosphere and possibility that we will see some dramatic changes and big additions to the Abraham Accords."
