Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as ambassador to Israel, told Newsmax on Friday that Israel must “continue the complete annihilation of Hamas” and refuse to abide by the ceasefire agreement set out earlier this year.

Huckabee said on “National Report” that Israel doesn’t “have a choice” when asked about the country’s decision not to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor, the border between Egypt and Gaza, which was one of the terms of the ceasefire with Hamas.

Israel also recently refused to release over 600 Palestinian hostages as part of a prisoner exchange for six Israeli hostages being held by Hamas, citing “Hamas’ repeated violations — including the disgraceful ceremonies that dishonor our hostages and the cynical use of hostages for propaganda.”

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