Huckabee to Headline Orthodox Jewish Chamber Mission to Israel

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee will headline a mission to Israel on Jan. 3 and 4 for the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, according to Israel National News. 

"Israel faces irrational and destructive economic terrorism with the BDS movement. I look forward to being part of a delegation of Americans who will visit with Israeli friends in government and the private sector, to assure them of strong support for Israel and to help bring assurances that the incoming Trump administration is committed to forging new levels of friendship and support with Israel," Huckabee, a strong advocate for Israel, said in a statement.

The mission includes the Chamber's executive public policy committee and a delegation of businessmen and women.

"The BDS movement, U.N. anti-Semitism, and other threats against Israel pose a substantial threat against Jewish community businesses in Israel, the United States and around the world," said Duvi Honig, a committee member.

"The Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce is thankful for our growing list of VIP and grassroots partners who are enabling us to succeed in our mission to help our brethren thrive amidst the threats."

The BDS movement refers to "boycott, divestment, sanctions," a group that calls for penalizing Israel until it stops oppressing Palestinians, according to its website.

Huckabee slammed President Barack Obama on Friday for abstaining on the U.N. Security Council vote that rebuked Israel for settling in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The Republican lawmaker said the move "was an insult to Israel and every person who loves freedom."

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