We are eager to see the January ceasefire in Gaza hold and more hostages returned. No matter how the situation evolves we know that more bombs and bullets will not save lives or bring peace to people across Israel, Palestine, and beyond.

One thing remains clear: The U.S. government will continue to play a key role in whatever happens next. Lives are on the line, and we’re deeply concerned about Trump’s decision to nominate Mike Huckabee as the next U.S. Ambassador to Israel.

As Ambassador, Mike Huckabee is likely to be an enthusiastic partner to Israeli PM Netanyahu, no matter the cost. His appointment would escalate division and sow further conflict in communities that have already borne incalculable levels of suffering and death.

Huckabee is an outspoken supporter of Israeli settlements and holds the same views of far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and former National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir that Israel has a ‘biblical right to the entire West Bank’ — a territory he chooses to refer to as ‘Judea and Samaria’.

What’s more, he’s also on record as saying ‘there’s really no such thing as a Palestinian’.

The potential for renewed violence and suffering across the Middle East remains terrifyingly high, and the U.S. government should take every step possible to avoid it. That’s why we need every Senator to hear from activists like you, who are dedicated to building a lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis alike, that Mike Huckabee is not fit for the job.