US Ambassador Huckabee: Israel-US alliance 'is not a one-way street,' cites intelligence and technology benefits

U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee emphasized the mutual benefits of the U.S.–Israel relationship on Tuesday, telling attendees at the Herzliya Conference that the alliance works both ways.

Speaking at the Institute for Policy and Strategy's annual conference at Reichman University, Huckabee said Israel provides the United States with significant advantages in intelligence sharing, technology and agriculture.

“Sometimes people in America and perhaps even here in Israel will say, America, you know, they do stuff for Israel,” Huckabee said. “I want to be very clear. Israel does a lot of things for America, and I appreciate it. It is not a one-way street.”

He said the partnership benefits Americans in multiple ways.

“There are benefits that we get in technology, benefits that we get in agriculture, benefits that we receive because of the relationship of intelligence that you share with us,” the US ambassador stressed. “That saves, protects and takes care of Americans all over the world.”

Huckabee also highlighted Israeli innovation, saying Americans sometimes overlook the country's contributions because they assume many technologies originated in the United States.

"Whether it's the facial recognition systems that make it easier to go through an airport, or whether it's some of the computer chips that run every single computer that we personally own, whether it's car navigation systems or whether it's more practical things like cherry tomatoes or seedless watermelons. Maybe the most important things are those," Huckabee said.

He said he believes the relationship benefits every American.

"But whatever it may be, it is a matter that we have because there is a relationship that I personally want to just express is a great benefit to the 330 million people of America," he said. "And I hope that the 10 million people of Israel find it to be as satisfying for you as it is for us.”

Concluding his remarks, Huckabee offered a blessing for both countries ahead of America's 250th Independence Day on July 4.

“Thank you very much,” he said. “God bless you and God bless the United States on its 250th birthday.”

Huckabee's remarks came weeks after U.S. Vice President JD Vance publicly criticized members of Israel's government over their opposition to the U.S. Memorandum of Understanding with Iran. During a White House press conference, Vance suggested Israeli officials should be more mindful of Washington's support.

"If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have left in the entire world,” Vance said.

He added, "Two-thirds of the defensive weapons that have protected your homeland have been built by American hands and paid for by American tax dollars. The problem for Israel is not Donald J. Trump, and anybody in Israel who thinks their biggest problem is the President of the United States needs to wake up and smell the reality of the situation that country is in.”