US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee took part yesterday evening (Tuesday) in a special event held in his honor by the Ministry of Finance and the Israel Securities Authority. Addressing the audience, he dismissed recent reports of a cooling in the relationship between the United States and Israel. Earlier this week, reports surfaced claiming that sources close to Donald Trump had informed Prime Minister Netanyahu that unless he halted the fighting in Gaza, the US administration would abandon Israel.
A message of friendship and gratitude
Huckabee said that claims of diverging paths between Israel and the US, or of growing conflict and distance, did not reflect reality. He stressed that his visit to Israel was made in the spirit of friendship and gratitude.
He remarked that the only thing ever truly divided in this region was the Red Sea—when Moses split it to allow the Israelites to pass—and expressed a prayer that God would once again part the sea and bring the hostages home.
Huckabee also emphasized the resilience of Israel’s economy under pressure. He said the United States and Israel are not merely stakeholders but true partners. According to him, Israel is more than just a business ally—the US also benefits from Israel’s economic strength, even in times of war, under international pressure, and, as he described it, amid global madness.
“Relations with the US will reach new heights”
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said at the event, “We believe the coming period will mark a new peak in US-Israel relations: an economic partnership that will drive more investments and collaborations; regional moves that will position Israel as a strategic hub connecting the Middle East, Europe, and Asia; and a values-based foundation that links tradition, innovation, and freedom.”
He added that Huckabee is, “not just an ambassador of a nation, but a true friend of Israel.”
“The Israeli economy has faced a massive test—and has emerged stronger than ever,” Smotrich emphasized. “The shekel is stronger today than it was on the eve of the war—this reflects global confidence in the strength of Israeli society, in our political stability, and in the economic policies we are advancing. The Israeli stock market has delivered some of the highest returns in the world—this tells us the future here is bright. Investors understand this better than commentators—and they believe in Israel. And they’re right.”
“Israel’s capital market showed strength—even in wartime”
Israel Securities Authority Chairman Sefi Zinger said that strong ties with the American capital market are one of the key factors behind the strength of Israel’s financial sector. He shared details from a recent meeting with US investors: what caught their attention, he said, was the performance of the Israeli stock market—the TA-125 Index posted nearly 30% returns in 2024, close to the S&P 500 and NASDAQ. Zinger noted that this is an exceptional achievement, especially considering that it occurred during what he called the most difficult war in Israel’s history.
He told investors not to invest in Israel merely out of affection, but because it is a sound financial decision.
Among those attending the event was former minister Izhar Shay, who lost his son Yaron z”l on October 7 and is now spearheading an initiative to establish 1,500 startups in memory of the fallen.
