In a recent appearance on Fox News, incoming U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee highlighted that Israel holds the decision-making power regarding the outcomes of its conflicts, particularly the ongoing confrontation with Hezbollah.

During a televised discussion, Huckabee emphasized Israel’s autonomy in determining the end of its conflicts amid international influences, voicing an approach different from that of the Biden administration, as Breitbart reports.

On a segment of Fox News Jesse Watters Primetime, guest-hosted by Kayleigh McEnany on a Wednesday, Mike Huckabee spoke on the current ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He critiqued the broader geopolitical engagements, focusing on the role of Iran in funding conflicts through groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

Hezbollah’s Initiation of Hostilities

Huckabee mentioned that the conflict was initiated by Hezbollah with an attack on Israel on Oct. 8.

This action followed a violent event outside of Gaza, underscoring the volatile nature of the region.

Further delving into the dynamics of the ceasefire, Huckabee expressed his reservations about the Biden administration’s approach to Iran.

He criticized the administration for empowering Iran economically, alleging that this has enabled Iran to fund Hamas and Hezbollah, thereby sustaining the conflict cycle.

Biden Administration's Influence and Policies

Politico Playbook has reported that within the Biden administration, there’s a belief that one ceasefire could pave the way for another, linking Hezbollah’s activities with those of Hamas, given their mutual patron in Iran.

This reflects a nuanced view of the conflict’s potential resolutions through diplomatic channels.

Huckabee, aligning his views with this perspective, acknowledged the shared financial support both Hamas and Hezbollah receive from Iran, a point of contention with current U.S. foreign policy.

Israel's Decisive Power in Conflict Outcome

Asserting Israel’s sovereign right in conflict resolution, Huckabee stated, “Let’s never forget Hezbollah started this attack on Israel. Israel didn’t attack them."

Huckabee went on, "They attacked Israel on October 8, the day after the massacre outside of Gaza.”

He strongly emphasized, “The old reality is Kayleigh that if you start a war with me, you may get to start it but I choose how we finish it."

"Israel is going to get to choose how they finish it, not Iran, not the U.N., not France, not America. Israel will decide how this has to end," he continued.

This assertion underlines the principle that despite international attempts to mediate or influence outcomes, the ultimate decision rests with Israel.

McEnany posed a question about the potential for a broader ceasefire with Hamas, reflecting on administration insights that a cascade of ceasefires might be feasible given the interconnected nature of Middle Eastern politics.

The discussion concluded with considerations of future peace processes in which Huckabee’s insights might influence the understanding of U.S. diplomatic stances and strategies in the region.