Mike Huckabee Criticizes Macklemore for Antisemitism Remarks

<p>U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee criticized Macklemore for alleged antisemitism on Thursday, expressing support for NFL owners who are pushing to cancel Macklemore's performances. Huckabee made these comments during an interview with Fox News Digital, stating that his experiences in Israel have led him to believe that many criticisms against Israel are misguided.</p><p>"It's really unfortunate that Macklemore has decided that he's going to become the voice, if you will, of Jew hatred, and I don't understand why it's entertainers like him think that it is entertaining to go and take a pro-Hamas position, a position that supports people that viciously raped, beheaded babies, burned elderly people in their wheelchairs and did unthinkable and unspeakable things to innocent civilians as Hamas came across the border from Gaza and butchered, massacred 1,200 people, and then took 251 people hostage, including many Americans," Huckabee stated.</p><p>Huckabee emphasized the importance of accountability for public figures, saying, "The fact that there's a pushback against that, why not? I think most of us would say that, you know, you have free speech, but that doesn't mean that you can say anything you want anytime you want, anywhere you want without consequences. The people that own these stadiums, the people that have promoted the concerts, weren't promoting a pro-Hamas rally."</p><p>He also addressed reports of rising antisemitism in Canada and the calls for President Donald Trump's administration to take action on the issue. Huckabee referenced a letter sent to Trump by the <a href="https://foxnews.com/politics/trump-indicates-support-christian-backed-plan-help-canadian-jews-escape-antisemitism" rel="noopener" target="_blank">National Association of Christian Lawmakers</a> earlier this month, which urged the administration to facilitate easier visa access for Jewish Canadians to enter the U.S.</p><p>"I think we've all seen and, frankly, been quite alarmed at some of the extraordinary Jew hatred that is taking place in Canada, and many Canadian Jewish people are really concerned and afraid for their lives," Huckabee said. He noted that there are fears among the Jewish community in Canada regarding potential violent or terror attacks, and mentioned that President Trump had acknowledged the letter from the NACL and indicated he would look into the matter.</p><p>Additionally, Huckabee discussed the ongoing conflict with Iran, particularly the <a href="https://foxnews.com/world/saudi-arabia-tells-trump-time-military-action-iran-backed-houthis-advance" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Iran-backed Houthi offensive</a> against Saudi-backed government forces in Yemen. When asked about Israel's potential involvement in assisting <a href="https://foxnews.com/world/us-backed-agreement-deepens-ties-officials-address-saudi-arabia-growing-houthi-threat-global-shipping" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Saudi forces</a>, Huckabee stated that Israel has expressed a desire to improve relations with its neighbors in the Middle East.</p><p>"Would Israel be willing to bring some assistance? I think they would. Whether they have been asked? That's something to ask the Saudis or to ask the Israelis. Wouldn't be for me to say what has been done or what has been requested. But there is a growing sense that Israel isn't the problem over here. Israel isn't trying to take anybody else's land," he said.</p><p><i>Fox News' Eric Mack contributed to this report.</i></p>