US Amb. Huckabee denies ‘nonsense’ report that Trump could recognize Palestinian state

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Saturday strongly denied a report suggesting U.S. President Donald Trump could announce his intention to recognize a “State of Palestine” during his Middle East trip next week.

The Jerusalem Post published a story by The Media Line, citing an anonymous “Gulf diplomatic source,” who said Trump “will issue a declaration regarding the State of Palestine and American recognition of it, and that there will be the establishment of a Palestinian state without the presence of Hamas.”

Responding to the JPost’s tweet on 𝕏, Huckabee wrote: “Hmm. Jerusalem Post needs better sources than this unidentified ‘source.’ My 4 yr old grandson Teddy is more reliable. And take it from Teddy. This report is nonsense. Israel doesn’t have a better friend than POTUS!”

Hmm. @Jerusalem_Post needs better sources than this unidentified “source.” My 4 yr old grandson Teddy is more reliable. And take it from Teddy. This report is nonsense. @Israel doesn’t have a better friend than @POTUS ! https://t.co/N3YYgdXYCW

— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) May 10, 2025

The source added: “If an announcement of American recognition of the State of Palestine is made, it will be the most important declaration that will change the balance of power in the Middle East, and more countries will join the Abraham Accords.”

The purported announcement is said to come amid Trump’s participation in a regional summit, which will be hosted in the Saudi capital of Riyadh and include the leaders of all Gulf countries.

Last week, Trump promised to make a “very important announcement” during his upcoming trip, which will not include a stop in Israel. He later clarified that the announcement would not be about trade, “but something else but it’s going to be a truly earth-shattering and a positive development for this country.”

On Friday, Huckabee had already emphasized the strength of the U.S.-Israeli relationship amid a recent flurry of reports that the Trump administration was getting frustrated with the Israeli government.

This is believed to explain decisions such as skipping Israel during his trip, reaching a separate ceasefire with the Houthis, and announcing an independent Gaza aid mechanism that will proceed regardless of Israeli military operations.

In addition, Israel is anxious about the administration’s pursuit of a diplomatic deal with Iran. Unconfirmed reports have also suggested that the U.S. may drop its demand for normalization with Israel in exchange for nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

In another sign that some interpreted as a snub to Israel, the Axios news outlet reported that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth canceled his planned trip to Israel, instead joining Trump on his Middle East trip.

However, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell wrote on 𝕏 that Hegseth “did not cancel his trip,” but was “asked to join President Trump's Middle East trip next week & is honored to do so. SECDEF very much looks forward to visiting our ally Israel soon.”

The invitation could instead be intended as a signal of support for the embattled secretary and not be connected to Israel, according to Axios.

Another Axios report also appeared to support Huckabee’s assertions regarding the continuing strength of relations between the governments.

In an unusual, "private" meeting, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer reportedly visited Trump at the White House on Thursday to discuss the talks with Iran and the progress of the Gaza War.

Presidents usually only meet with heads of state or government. However, despite his low nominal rank, Dermer is seen as Netanyahu’s closest confidante and has often served as his personal emissary.

The meeting with Trump reportedly also included Vice President JD Vance and White House envoy Steve Witkoff, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with whom Dermer also met in private to discuss Israel’s concerns over recent developments.

Huckabee reiterated his message in another tweet later on Saturday: “It’s reckless and irresponsible for press to allege that POTUS and [Netanyahu] are not getting along.”

“Bibi has spent more time with POTUS than I have in past three months, and I’m his ambassador! The relationship between US and Israel remains STRONG!” Huckabee added.