Trump taps former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee for US ambassador to Israel

President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he would nominate former GOP Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Israel. 

"I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected former Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee, has been nominated to be The United States Ambassador to Israel," Trump said in an emailed statement.

He referred to Huckabee as a great public servant who is loved by the Israeli people. 

"He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him. Mike will work tirelessly to bring about Peace in the Middle East!" the email concluded.