January 01, 2009 - 11:27 AM

Israel

by Mike Huckabee

The intensifying military situation along the Israeli border has kept my attention the past few days. I have made 10 trips to that area, the most recent in August. I’m including some photos from that trip, including some from my meeting with former and likely future Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as some photos of my standing on a rooftop in Sderot, just across the border from Gaza and the area that has suffered the most of the rockets fired from Hamas positions in Gaza. In one of the photos, you will see a small sample of the retrieved rockets that were fired into people’s homes, parks, and public streets. Despite a so-called “truce,” Hamas continued to launch over 8400 rockets into Sderot through August alone. Given the population of this Israeli community, the odds were 1 in 17 that you would be hit by a Hamas rocket.

Some do not understand the delicate nature of this situation. Here is the simple picture: Hamas is not a legitimate government, but a terrorist organization. Israel has the right not only to exist, but to expect some level of security. The borders are not miles away, but mere meters away. Those of us in the United States would never tolerate having Osama Bin Laden setting up shop 300 yards from our homes and allowing his thugs and terrorists fire rockets at our children’s schools or into the roofs of our homes. The Israeli’s shouldn’t be expected to tolerate that either.

Israel is doing what we would do---what they SHOULD do—to let Hamas and the rest of the world know that they will protect themselves and not allow a rogue government to attack them. Pray for the “peace of Jerusalem” and the rest of the world as we start this new year.

Be sure and watch my show on the Fox News Channel this week---we have the great story of a corporate CEO who turned down over $13 million in bonuses because he didn’t think he should get them in light of the economic crisis—he obviously didn’t work for AIG or a car company! And we’ll have a special tribute to Elvis—with several special guests including the legendary James Burton, the guitarist for Elvis’ TCB Band, who will play with the Little Rockers. You will also learn how to register and win a guitar signed by James Burton. Don’t miss it!

On Monday, January 5, I will be launching twice daily commentaries on the ABC Radio Network. We’ll have a link on our website for more information. If your local station doesn’t carry it, call and ask them to do so.

One final note---thanks to many of you have enjoyed my book, “Do the Right Thing,” and have bought copies for friends and family, we are in the top 10 of the New York Times Bestseller list for the 6th consecutive week!

Hope you have a great 2009! God bless you and your family.

With high hopes,

Mike Huckabee

Standing inside the kitchen of a home hit in roof by rocket in Sderot---holding shrapnel from the rocket while hole in ceiling is visible
from photo:

Looking at just a few of the hundreds of rockets that are stored behind the Sderot police station that were launched from Gaza into Israel:

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  • Bue, Harley

    01/07/2009 01:43 PM

    Mike,

    Thanks for your interest in all of those things that matter to the Lord, including the nation of Israel, which Biblically is indicative of God's prophetic timetable.

    Your perspective is aligned with David Horowitz's video commentary on the real truth behind the Israeli/Hamas conflicts.

    The Hamas are Islamic militants - historically, there are links back to Hitler's agenda to exterminate the Jewish people. There is a video which vividly depicts the events in history and the agendas behind them leading up to today's hostilities.

    While there is much conjecture about which one is the aggressor and initiator of militant activities, this video clearly brings the truth to light - - - What Really Happened in The Middle East??

    As Corrie Ten Booms father said in the Hiding Place, "He who touches them touches the apple of God's eye". The downfall of both Germany and Egypt are indicators that God is true to His word. One wonders what is in store for the Arab militants who must have incurred the Lord's wrath many times over.

    The video link of interest [David Horowitz Freedom Center] is below;

    http://www.terrorismawareness.org/what-really-happened/

  • vette27rod

    01/05/2009 02:13 PM

    Gov. Mike,
    You are 100% right on with the situation in Israel and its fight for the right for life. I back Israel 110% in this and have even thought about going for a visit to help them out.
    In November 1999 I was an Iowa International Fellow and was in a meeting of about 85 college and university students from across the globe whom all were attending school in Iowa. The first meeting in Des Moines my roomate for the night was from Palestine and we spoke about the issues there with Israel/Palastine. I had a better understanding of what is going on there from his perspective and my beliefs before meeting him.
    However... during the second meeting in November at the Amana Colonies, during our main dinner meeting, we had around 12 people at each table eating.... talking about whatever.... and the subject turned to terrorism and as I ate.... listened from people all over who had witnessed it or been around it in their own country back home... one guy asked me my thoughts. I said that fortunately it hadn't really happened in my country that much and when it had the perps were caught quickly and prosecuted. I than said on the world stage though.... "I wish somebody would assinate Bin Laden". The Palestenian jumped up... screaming at me...pointing a finger towards me... yelling "how can I say that after we had spoken at length about his situation with Israel". I sat... continued eating... while he was yelling... the whole place went quiet... and he went on to say "Bin Laden is my hero...our hero.... he is the only man to stand up for us in the world...the only man who has the balls to stand up to your damn country" "Your country blindly supports Israel without looking at how we are treated". A friend of mine from Egypt was sitting right next to me. He than jumped up and said that Osama needed to sit down and shut up. That he was a guest of the USA and getting a world class education and needed to respect what he was getting from the US. Osama began confronting him as well and my buddy told him to sit down and shut up before he came across the table to take him out. As 2 moderators came over to tell us all to settle down my buddy added that it is actions like this that demonstrate to the world why no one respects the Palestinians and think of them as the dogs of the world.
    After 911 happened I emailed osama but his email address wasn't active at the University of Iowa. I guess he had graduated in bio=medical engineering. The email I had sent was...."I'm just glad my God isn't your god".
    Thank You Mike for coming out so strongly in supporting Israel and if I can ever help you....just let me know.

  • Shelton, Russell

    01/04/2009 04:38 PM

    The James Burton performance was a profound tribute to his legendary career. Most folks don't have a clue to the greatness of this entertainer, not only his association with the King but his other accomplishments such as the great song "Tradgedy". His comments on Elvis's religious endeavors are a great departue from the tabloid accusations of Elvis's life. Elvis's gospel music alone is his personal tribute to the King of Kings, Jesus.
    Mike Huckabee's bold statements on his polictical positions regarding Israel are a testament to his chatacter, not just because I agree with them, but because he has the guts to say what he thinks regardless of the political correctness of the moment. I wish I could purchase of CD of Burtons "Love Me Tender" guitar arrangement. I attended high school with a daughter of one of the "Gospelaires" a backup quartet for Elvis. This was in the late 50's. I know from personal conversations with her dad that Elvis was a good and decent person and a true Christian. He wasn't perfect, he was just like the rest of us, trying to get through life and be happy making others happy, doing the best we could.
    Thank you Mike Huckabee!

  • Marline

    01/03/2009 08:53 PM

    I agree 100% with Gov. Huckabee but I'm truly fed up with all terrorists and will add that I would have to end it once and for all if I were Israel's Prime Minister or even a part of the population of Israel. I don't know of a country that would take the abuse of Hamas or any other terrorist group over the years as Israel has. All terrorists are thugs and want to kill the people of peaceful countries. Israel wants only to live in peace but in my opinion no terrorist or terrorist group will allow a peaceful nation to do so.

    In my opinion I have to say enough is enough. No one can sit down at a round table with terrorists and talk common sense to them as they know only one thing and that is jihad.

    I wish much luck to President Elect Obama if he thinks for one minute that he can sit down at a round table unconditionally with terrorists and talk sense to any terrorist group as he has news coming, it is not going to happen or work. All that will be accomplised in that is that they may smile and agree with you for the moment but once you turn your back on them they will laugh and stab you in the back.

    I also feel terrible about the happenings especially with innocent people and children being killed but then again Hamas is using it's own people as human shields. Sad to say I never yet have seen or heard of a war when innocent people were not killed, in my opinion that is the worst part of any war. :-(

  • WILLIAMS, CAROL

    01/03/2009 04:45 PM

    Thank you Mike for coming out in swupport of Israel. I figured you would. :) Frankly, I'm surprised Israel waited asc long as they did to fight back. They should've sooner! But then again, timing IS everything!! And Gods timing and plan is His timing and plan. I'm glad Israel is finally going after that terrorist bunch. Go Israel Go!!

  • Mundina O'Driscoll

    01/02/2009 09:22 PM

    I am proud of Israel for standing strong and firm on principle , and for not caving-in to political correctness like we in America are doing so often.
    Bravo Israel..............

  • gracepraying

    01/02/2009 08:22 PM

    Thank you, Gov. Huckabee, for coming out so strongly for Israel. They need the support of the United States if they are to overcome such foes as Hamas.

    Also, I loved the photos you included. You can include more photos any time. I find it so interesting to see that you stood right where many of the rockets had landed, and to see the hundreds of rockets retrieved near Sderot. What a terrifying thing for families and especially children to live under the constant barrage of rocket fire!
    Those people need our prayers.

    God will bless the nations that bless Israel. We are so fortunate in our life-time to have this nation of Israel back on the map...truly a miracle after nearly 2,000 years.

    Thanks for keeping us informed and caring enough to seek to help Israel.

  • One Voice, To Our Nation

    01/02/2009 04:20 PM

    Deborah you are so right…. A Constitutional Crisis of massive proportion is looming!

    I think of this time that is here now…. The most exciting time of all history… and yet this Nation faces its greatest challenge in 230 years where it comes to The Constitution – The Only Protection We the People have from out-of-control federal power!

    I have done my best to try and draw attention to this issue here.

    And I continue to urge you to keep praying that there will be a Divine Intervention on behalf of We the People of The United States of America for:-

    **** Jan 8th Joint Meeting of Congress where Electoral College Votes are ratified… That at least One or more Members will take his or her Oath to uphold The Constitution seriously and demand clarification re the eligibility of Mr. Obama!

    **** US Supreme Court Closed door Hearings Jan 9th & 16th re Eligibility (This will be the 3rd & 4th Case… the 1st & 2nd could possibly be still “Pending”…. And there are more to come!)

    **** and if this gets that far, pray for Chief Justice John Roberts for Jan 20th re his conscience to administer the Oath!
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    FOR THOSE WHO THINK THIS IS NOT AN IMPORTANT ISSUE; I CHALLENGE YOU TO READ THIS CLEAR, WELL WRITTEN ARTICLE OF THE DANGERS WE NOW FACE
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    “Ineligible Obama, Playing with Constitutional Fire”
    http://www.rightsidenews.com/200901023180/editorial/ineligible-obama-playing-with-constitutional-fire.html

    Here are some parts and headings from this article by JB Williams:-

    “A few things are quite clear at this point
    • Article II - Section I of the Constitution clearly limits those who can serve as Commander-in-Chief to "natural born citizens" of the United States, and for good reason
    • The Hawaii certificate posted on Obama's web-site is insufficient and in question at best
    • Obama's Kenyan relatives state that they attended his birth in Kenya
    • Later, Obama was indeed a legal citizen of Indonesia, traveling under his Indonesian passport as recent as in his early twenties
    • There is no known record of Obama changing his Indonesian citizenship back to American citizenship, and it wouldn't make him a "natural born citizen" even if he did
    • None of this seems to matter to anyone of consequence...”

    “How will an unconstitutional president rule?”

    “The People's Unalienable Rights”

    “Rendering the Constitution Irrelevant”

    “Obama is not the issue here. Constitutional law and the survival of a free representative republic is the issue at hand.”

    “Without the constitution, there are no limitations to federal power.
    If Article II - Section I of the constitution is meaningless, then the entire constitution is meaningless.”
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    This scenario comes to mind of a child questioning their parents in the not too distant future;
    “Mommy, Daddy, what action did you take to try and stop them from taking away ‘Our Constitution’, the One that served us so well for 230 years? What did you do? How could you have let them do that?” What will your answer be?
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  • AV Fundamentalist

    01/02/2009 12:50 PM

    Amen! God said: "I will bless them that bless thee, (Israel) and curse them that curse thee." Thank you for standing for the truth, Governor.
    http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/1000/1000_01.asp

  • Judge Deborah

    01/01/2009 06:49 PM

    I forgot the link to the funny Dayton Daily News cartoon by Mike Peters.

    Here it is: http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/oh/index/opinions/

    Obama is raising his right hand and saying, "I can't swear to anything while there's an ongoing investigation."

  • Atwood, Dan

    01/01/2009 05:53 PM

    Dear Gov. Huckabee,
    Thank you so much for realizing and sharing the truth about the situation in Israel. As a Jewish person and a very active defender of Israel and its rights it is always good to know that there is a politician, like you, who so strongly supports the right for the Jewish Nation to live in security in our one little state in the world. Israel rarely wins favor with the media so thank you for helping to spread the truth!

  • Clark, Elisabeth

    01/01/2009 03:15 PM

    In an everlasting covenant with Israel God said "I will bless whoever blesses you, and curse whoever curses you." They are the apple of God's eye. I will bless them. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience and giving some clarity to this situation.

  • Leamon, Dorothy B

    01/01/2009 02:17 PM

    Israel, so very important for the USA to continue our support. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

    Do the Right Thing is a great book that I received for Christmas.
    As a Tax Professional and Board Member of a National Tax Organization the Fair Tax can be a real solution to the economy and working people everywhere. Keep plugging the Fair Tax, Mike. You have my support!

  • Weidner, Ebeth

    01/01/2009 02:04 PM

    Thanks, Mike, for all that you do for our country. Glad you blog, I am very interested in the political goings on and have recently be elected President of the Rep. Wm of my county to help grow our citizens aware politically of their surroundings. God Bless you and your endeavors this year.

    Ebeth

  • mxnwilson

    01/01/2009 12:31 PM

    Gov. Huckabee,

    Thank you so much for this message as well as the pictures. I suppose this would be a good time to share a passage of scripture that our pastor shared last Sunday.

    Isa. 62:1-4 (NLT) 1) Because I love Zion, I will not keep still. Because my heart yearns for Jeusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch. 2) The nations will see your righteousness. World leaders will be blinded by your glory. And you will be given a name by the Lord's own mouth. 3) The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see--a splendid crown in the hand of God. 4) Never again will you be called "The Forsaken City" or "The Desolate Land." Your new name will be (Beulah) "The City of God's Delight" and "The Bride of God," for the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his bride.

    Wow, what a promise!

  • Cavender, Philip

    01/01/2009 12:23 PM

    Mike,

    Enjoyed seeing you and meeting you in Nashville at the book signing. The book is excellent and I gave copies for Xmas gifts.

    Thanks for the clear message you send with everything you say or write. You are always steadfast and not shifting to meet the need of the moment. We've got so much work to do and I look forward to helping you get your message out to others.

    May God bless you in 2009 and beyond.

    Phil Cavender
    Murfreesboro, Tennessee

  • Judge Deborah

    01/01/2009 12:20 PM

    Gov. Huckabee: Thanks so much for all you've done to advance conservative pro-family issues!

    You've put in so much road time that we're not sure when you are ever home except on Holidays!

    We stand behind you to assist in any endeavor you deem worthy in 2009! Have a blessed and prosperous New Year!

    ******* ******* ******* ******* ******* ******* ******* *******

    We appreciate your respectfulness toward president-elect Barak Obama, but there is still a niggling Constitutional Crisis that may be looming in Jan.

    No president-elect ever before in history has ever had the audacity to try to get law passed allowing candidates who are NOT natural born citizens to be eligible for president, yet that's EXACTLY what happened in 2005, the same year Sen. Obama came to Washington D.C.

    Did you realize that in 2005 Congress tried to pass amendments making naturalized citizens eligible for the presidency but failed?

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._President

    "In 2005, two amendments to the Constitution of the United States were proposed to permit persons having been citizens of the United States for many years but not being natural-born citizens to hold the Office of President. Neither bill got any further action beyond that year.

    H.J.RES.2, introduced on January 4, 2005, sponsored by Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI-14) and cosponsored by Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA-27), would require 20 years of citizenship for naturalized Americans to be eligible to hold the Office of President.[6] H.J.RES.42, introduced on April 14, 2005, sponsored by Rep. Vic Snyder (D-AR-2) and cosponsored by Christopher Shays (R-CT-4), would require 35 years of citizenship for naturalized Americans to be eligible to hold the offices of President and Vice President."

    http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:HJ00042:|/bss/d109query.html|

    Most covered-up of 2008: Natural-born citizen -- WND editors join with readers to determine the year's top 10
    ---------------------------------------------------
    Posted: December 31, 2008
    8:30 pm Eastern
    © 2009 WorldNetDaily

    "Charges that Barack Obama is not a natural born citizen of the U.S. and, therefore, constitutionally ineligible to serve as president top the list of the 10 most "spiked" or underreported stories of the last year, according to an annual WND survey.
    At the end of each year, news organizations typically present their retrospective replays of what they consider to have been the top news stories in the previous 12 months.
    WND's editors, however, have long considered it far more newsworthy to publicize the most important unreported or underreported news events of the year – to highlight perhaps for one last time major news stories that were undeservedly "spiked" by the establishment press.

    WND Editor and CEO Joseph Farah has sponsored "Operation Spike" every year since 1988, and since founding WorldNetDaily in May 1997, he has continued the annual tradition."

    http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=84942

  • Jill 4 America

    01/01/2009 12:00 PM

    Gov. Huckabee -
    I appreciate you putting the focus on Israel today because I believe they need our prayers more than ever. I will be glad if B. Netanyahu gets in power. It is hard to imagine having an enemy right at your own doorstep as Israel does. Thanks for showing those photos again.

    I am so looking forward to your show on Fox this weekend.