Mike Huckabee criticised for distinguishing between Israelis and 'Arabs' in elections

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee faced criticism on Tuesday after he appeared to imply Palestinian citizens of Israel were not Israeli. In a post, Huckabee praised the Israeli electoral system because, among other reasons, "Arabs vote same as Israelis." Today is election day in Israel, which is a national holiday. All voting is in person, ID required. No mail-in or absentee ballots. Arabs vote same as Israelis. Contentious process, but it's a democracy-not many of those in this region! — Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) October 27, 2026 Israelis on X were quick to point out that the "Arab" voters in Israel were also Israeli citizens. Palestinian citizens of Israel, unlike the majority of Palestinians, have the right to vote in Israeli elections.