From wars and rumors of war abroad, to the rise of anti-Christian, "woke" ideology here at home, it’s clear that Americans are living in perilous and unprecedented times. Some would even say that we’re witnessing biblical prophecy unfold in real time. Stakelbeck Tonight will make sense of these stunning developments through a bold and biblical lens.
#MikeHuckabee
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#Gospel
#War
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#Terrorism
#ErickStakelbeck
#Politics
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#Resurrection
#FranklinGraham
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#Transgender
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Stakelbeck Tonight | Erick Stakelbeck: April 14, 2025 | Stakelbeck Tonight | April 14, 2025
- Welcome to stakelbeck tonight.
- 00:00:04.383 --> 00:00:05.818
- I'm erick stakelbeck
- 00:00:05.818 --> 00:00:06.919
- And we are witnessing a tale of two easters.
- 00:00:06.919 --> 00:00:11.156
- What a difference a year makes as this holy week begins.
- 00:00:11.156 --> 00:00:14.760
- The trump white house is promising an extraordinary
- 00:00:14.760 --> 00:00:18.030
- Weeklong celebration ahead of easter sunday.
- 00:00:18.030 --> 00:00:21.233
- It all began
- 00:00:21.233 --> 00:00:22.434
- Yesterday, palm sunday, with a presidential proclamation.
- 00:00:22.434 --> 00:00:25.771
- And folks, you'll want to read the whole thing.
- 00:00:25.771 --> 00:00:28.107
- But here's a portion from president trump.
- 00:00:28.107 --> 00:00:30.976
- This holy week, melania and i join in prayer with christians
- 00:00:30.976 --> 00:00:34.813
- Celebrating the crucifixion
- 00:00:34.813 --> 00:00:36.849
- And resurrection of our lord and savior.
- 00:00:36.849 --> 00:00:39.318
- Jesus christ.
- 00:00:39.318 --> 00:00:40.619
- The living son of god who conquered death,
- 00:00:40.619 --> 00:00:43.689
- Freed us from sin and unlocked the gates of heaven
- 00:00:43.689 --> 00:00:47.359
- For all of humanity.
- 00:00:47.359 --> 00:00:49.027
- Now, that's
- 00:00:49.027 --> 00:00:49.895
- The president of the united states,
- 00:00:49.895 --> 00:00:51.196
- The most powerful man in the world,
- 00:00:51.196 --> 00:00:53.365
- Publicly proclaiming the truth of the gospel.
- 00:00:53.365 --> 00:00:56.702
- He did the same on his truth.
- 00:00:56.702 --> 00:00:58.203
- Social media platform, writing quote on easter sunday,
- 00:00:58.203 --> 00:01:02.141
- We celebrate his glorious resurrection and proclaim,
- 00:01:02.141 --> 00:01:05.744
- As christians have done for nearly 2000 years.
- 00:01:05.744 --> 00:01:08.914
- He is risen.
- 00:01:08.914 --> 00:01:10.649
- He continued, america is a nation of believers.
- 00:01:10.649 --> 00:01:14.253
- We need god.
- 00:01:14.253 --> 00:01:15.921
- We want god.
- 00:01:15.921 --> 00:01:17.389
- And with his help,
- 00:01:17.389 --> 00:01:18.724
- We will make our nation stronger, safer, greater,
- 00:01:18.724 --> 00:01:22.227
- More prosperous and more united than ever before.
- 00:01:22.227 --> 00:01:26.098
- Now, i believe what the president said is very true.
- 00:01:26.098 --> 00:01:29.201
- We need god. we want god.
- 00:01:29.201 --> 00:01:32.404
- And if he continues to honor god publicly like this,
- 00:01:32.404 --> 00:01:36.675
- Blessings will flow into our nation.
- 00:01:36.675 --> 00:01:39.511
- He has said many times that god
- 00:01:39.511 --> 00:01:41.580
- Spared his life in butler, pennsylvania, last july.
- 00:01:41.580 --> 00:01:45.184
- And i agree 100%.
- 00:01:45.184 --> 00:01:48.020
- His survival was a miracle.
- 00:01:48.020 --> 00:01:50.322
- God gave us a national reprieve, a chance for revival
- 00:01:50.322 --> 00:01:54.927
- That we cannot squander. i said at the top
- 00:01:54.927 --> 00:01:57.629
- That we're witnessing a tale of two easters.
- 00:01:57.629 --> 00:02:00.832
- Just think of how the american people were insulted last easter
- 00:02:00.832 --> 00:02:05.604
- When joe biden issued a proclamation on easter sunday
- 00:02:05.604 --> 00:02:09.841
- Celebrating transgender day of visibility.
- 00:02:09.841 --> 00:02:14.279
- Biden declared that today, easter sunday,
- 00:02:14.279 --> 00:02:17.149
- We send a message to all trans gender americans,
- 00:02:17.149 --> 00:02:21.053
- You are loved, you are heard, you are understood, you belong.
- 00:02:21.053 --> 00:02:26.358
- You are america.
- 00:02:26.358 --> 00:02:28.460
- And my entire administration and i have your back.
- 00:02:28.460 --> 00:02:32.297
- So according to the previous administration,
- 00:02:32.297 --> 00:02:35.200
- Transgenders aren't just americans.
- 00:02:35.200 --> 00:02:38.103
- They are america. direct quote.
- 00:02:38.103 --> 00:02:41.106
- They're the very essence of our nation.
- 00:02:41.106 --> 00:02:43.675
- Joe biden gave a place of honor to a group of unfortunate,
- 00:02:43.675 --> 00:02:47.312
- Confused people.
- 00:02:47.312 --> 00:02:48.480
- Clearly suffering from a mental disorder
- 00:02:48.480 --> 00:02:51.350
- And who are shouting at god that he made a mistake
- 00:02:51.350 --> 00:02:54.686
- And created them in the wrong body.
- 00:02:54.686 --> 00:02:57.389
- And biden did this, elevated transgenderism on
- 00:02:57.389 --> 00:03:01.326
- Easter sunday, the holiest day on the christian calendar.
- 00:03:01.326 --> 00:03:05.497
- Folks, that was no coincidence.
- 00:03:05.497 --> 00:03:07.833
- He and his radical left wing administration knew
- 00:03:07.833 --> 00:03:11.036
- Exactly what they were doing.
- 00:03:11.036 --> 00:03:12.904
- I don't know about you, but i am thanking god daily
- 00:03:12.904 --> 00:03:16.608
- That we now have an administration that honors
- 00:03:16.608 --> 00:03:19.344
- The lord and is not ashamed to proclaim his name.
- 00:03:19.344 --> 00:03:23.148
- From the president to the newly created white house faith
- 00:03:23.148 --> 00:03:26.285
- Office to white house press secretary caroline leavitt,
- 00:03:26.285 --> 00:03:29.688
- Who does this with her team ever
- 00:03:29.688 --> 00:03:36.628
- Lord jesus, please give us the strength,
- 00:03:36.628 --> 00:03:39.064
- The knowledge, the ability to articulate our words,
- 00:03:39.064 --> 00:03:42.000
- How fun and confident in jesus name and.
- 00:03:42.000 --> 00:03:48.273
- God told the prophet samuel,
- 00:03:48.273 --> 00:03:50.242
- Those who honor me, i will honor,
- 00:03:50.242 --> 00:03:53.545
- As our administration continues to put god first.
- 00:03:53.545 --> 00:03:56.948
- National restoration
- 00:03:56.948 --> 00:03:58.417
- And spiritual revival are on the table,
- 00:03:58.417 --> 00:04:01.353
- And that should encourage every american
- 00:04:01.353 --> 00:04:03.755
- During this easter season.
- 00:04:03.755 --> 00:04:05.490
- Speaking of which, our good friend reverend
- 00:04:05.490 --> 00:04:07.392
- Franklin graham
- 00:04:07.392 --> 00:04:08.527
- Is hosting a powerful new special this easter sunday
- 00:04:08.527 --> 00:04:11.596
- That you can see right here on tbn.
- 00:04:11.596 --> 00:04:13.999
- And he's here to share more about it next.
- 00:04:13.999 --> 00:04:32.584
- This easter sunday, tbn is honored to present
- 00:04:33.518 --> 00:04:36.722
- A powerful new special featuring reverend franklin graham.
- 00:04:36.722 --> 00:04:40.359
- It's called easter from the ashes,
- 00:04:40.359 --> 00:04:42.494
- And it was filmed amid the destruction left
- 00:04:42.494 --> 00:04:44.763
- By the deadly california wildfires earlier this year.
- 00:04:44.763 --> 00:04:48.467
- This moving 30 minute program delivers
- 00:04:48.467 --> 00:04:51.303
- A message of hope and redemption in the midst of devastation.
- 00:04:51.303 --> 00:04:55.674
- You'll hear a timely word from franklin
- 00:04:55.674 --> 00:04:57.542
- Graham and also experience great worship
- 00:04:57.542 --> 00:04:59.678
- Led by michael w smith and charity gail
- 00:04:59.678 --> 00:05:02.781
- Proclaiming the power of the resurrection.
- 00:05:02.781 --> 00:05:05.751
- Here's a special preview.
- 00:05:05.751 --> 00:05:10.021
- Everything that's on fire here.
- 00:05:10.021 --> 00:05:12.958
- Rocks, trees, houses.
- 00:05:12.958 --> 00:05:18.263
- Easter is not the same
- 00:05:18.263 --> 00:05:19.531
- For many people this year
- 00:05:19.531 --> 00:05:23.235
- May be the day you feel like you're going through
- 00:05:23.235 --> 00:05:25.404
- Some kind of tragedy in the middle of this pain.
- 00:05:25.404 --> 00:05:29.441
- Can there be hope.
- 00:05:29.441 --> 00:05:31.476
- This easter, a special television event,
- 00:05:31.476 --> 00:05:36.014
- A powerful message from franklin graham.
- 00:05:36.014 --> 00:05:38.250
- Whatever your circumstance, i want you to know this.
- 00:05:38.250 --> 00:05:41.920
- God loves you.
- 00:05:41.920 --> 00:05:43.955
- Plus, music from michael smith and charity.
- 00:05:43.955 --> 00:06:11.183
- God is giving you right now a second chance.
- 00:06:12.117 --> 00:06:22.594
- Folks, it is truly an amazing program.
- 00:06:23.361 --> 00:06:25.197
- You can see it right here on tbn 9 p.m.
- 00:06:25.197 --> 00:06:27.499
- Eastern on easter sunday.
- 00:06:27.499 --> 00:06:29.434
- And reverend franklin graham joins us now.
- 00:06:29.434 --> 00:06:31.403
- Reverend graham, what a powerful program.
- 00:06:31.403 --> 00:06:33.905
- You know, a lot of times an easter
- 00:06:33.905 --> 00:06:35.040
- Special would be inside the four walls of a church.
- 00:06:35.040 --> 00:06:38.243
- But you're in the rubble.
- 00:06:38.243 --> 00:06:39.611
- You're amid the devastation in california.
- 00:06:39.611 --> 00:06:42.013
- How did that impact your message,
- 00:06:42.013 --> 00:06:43.782
- Just the setting of this special?
- 00:06:43.782 --> 00:06:46.518
- Well, no question it has an impact.
- 00:06:46.518 --> 00:06:49.454
- When you see the destruction around you
- 00:06:49.454 --> 00:06:51.590
- And one of the one of the things that people said
- 00:06:51.590 --> 00:06:56.094
- As they were fleeing
- 00:06:56.094 --> 00:06:58.797
- For their lives,
- 00:06:58.797 --> 00:07:00.866
- They said it was like running through the flames of hell.
- 00:07:00.866 --> 00:07:05.370
- And i just couldn't
- 00:07:05.370 --> 00:07:07.873
- I couldn't the thought didn't leave my mind there.
- 00:07:07.873 --> 00:07:10.008
- I just kept thinking about running
- 00:07:10.008 --> 00:07:12.511
- Through the flames of hell and hell is a real place.
- 00:07:12.511 --> 00:07:15.580
- And so this message i'm focusing on why jesus came at easter
- 00:07:15.580 --> 00:07:20.752
- And he came to save us from the flames of hell
- 00:07:20.752 --> 00:07:24.723
- And the choices that we make here on this earth
- 00:07:24.723 --> 00:07:27.792
- Determine where we're going to spend
- 00:07:27.792 --> 00:07:29.694
- Eternity in either heaven or hell.
- 00:07:29.694 --> 00:07:32.097
- So it's a it's a message that i hope
- 00:07:32.097 --> 00:07:34.833
- People will listen to and i hope will have an impact on many
- 00:07:34.833 --> 00:07:38.336
- Who will be watching.
- 00:07:38.336 --> 00:07:39.538
- Yeah, he did such great work
- 00:07:39.538 --> 00:07:41.039
- Through samaritan's purse on the ground there.
- 00:07:41.039 --> 00:07:43.375
- Reverend graham in southern california.
- 00:07:43.375 --> 00:07:45.443
- Hey, a lot of people right now this easter may feel like
- 00:07:45.443 --> 00:07:47.579
- They're going through their own personal wildfire.
- 00:07:47.579 --> 00:07:50.181
- What do you say to people i know you share
- 00:07:50.181 --> 00:07:52.150
- This on the ground as well in california.
- 00:07:52.150 --> 00:07:54.085
- What do you say to people right now
- 00:07:54.085 --> 00:07:55.487
- Who are wondering whether it's grief or loss?
- 00:07:55.487 --> 00:07:57.856
- Is god really there?
- 00:07:57.856 --> 00:07:59.090
- Is jesus really real on this easter?
- 00:07:59.090 --> 00:08:03.094
- Well, you know, our god god doesn't
- 00:08:03.094 --> 00:08:04.596
- Promise us a rose garden.
- 00:08:04.596 --> 00:08:06.364
- We're going to have tragedies.
- 00:08:06.364 --> 00:08:07.632
- We're going to have bumps in the road, so to speak.
- 00:08:07.632 --> 00:08:10.502
- We're going to have disappointments.
- 00:08:10.502 --> 00:08:12.304
- We're going to have death in our families and
- 00:08:12.304 --> 00:08:14.506
- We're going to all eventually perish one day.
- 00:08:14.506 --> 00:08:17.642
- But the question is,
- 00:08:17.642 --> 00:08:18.810
- We have a soul, a spirit that lives as long as god lives.
- 00:08:18.810 --> 00:08:22.948
- And where is that soul going to reside?
- 00:08:22.948 --> 00:08:25.083
- Is going to reside in heaven or is it going to be in hell?
- 00:08:25.083 --> 00:08:29.220
- And the choices that we make and if we are willing to confess
- 00:08:29.220 --> 00:08:32.657
- Our sins and repent and repent, repentance is so important.
- 00:08:32.657 --> 00:08:35.727
- You have to turn from your sins
- 00:08:35.727 --> 00:08:37.596
- And by faith, believe on the name of the lord
- 00:08:37.596 --> 00:08:40.265
- Jesus christ, we will be forgiven and fair.
- 00:08:40.265 --> 00:08:44.035
- Call on his name
- 00:08:44.035 --> 00:08:45.704
- And trust him and make him the lord of our life.
- 00:08:45.704 --> 00:08:48.773
- God will forgive our sins
- 00:08:48.773 --> 00:08:50.542
- And he'll promise us eternal life with him in heaven.
- 00:08:50.542 --> 00:08:53.445
- And so i just want people to know the choices.
- 00:08:53.445 --> 00:08:56.548
- And you've got to make a choice, and you have to make it soon,
- 00:08:56.548 --> 00:09:00.385
- I believe.
- 00:09:00.385 --> 00:09:01.353
- We're running out of time, eric. i really do.
- 00:09:01.353 --> 00:09:03.321
- And i think god has given us our last chance, a second chance.
- 00:09:03.321 --> 00:09:07.892
- And that's what, you know, easter is about.
- 00:09:07.892 --> 00:09:09.694
- It's about a second chance, giving us another opportunity
- 00:09:09.694 --> 00:09:13.798
- To come to him in repentance and faith in his son.
- 00:09:13.798 --> 00:09:16.267
- Jesus christ.
- 00:09:16.267 --> 00:09:17.469
- Yeah. reverend graham, your crystal clear.
- 00:09:17.469 --> 00:09:19.437
- This is no time to mince words.
- 00:09:19.437 --> 00:09:21.106
- As you said, it feels like time is short, no doubt.
- 00:09:21.106 --> 00:09:23.875
- And folks, by the way,
- 00:09:23.875 --> 00:09:24.976
- Powerful worship during easter from the ashes as well.
- 00:09:24.976 --> 00:09:28.413
- Hey, you have a very busy easter week, reverend graham.
- 00:09:28.413 --> 00:09:30.515
- You'll be at the white house later this week
- 00:09:30.515 --> 00:09:32.317
- For prayer with the president.
- 00:09:32.317 --> 00:09:33.685
- Some special events there.
- 00:09:33.685 --> 00:09:35.520
- He tell us a bit more about that.
- 00:09:35.520 --> 00:09:36.821
- It seems like a very eventful in a great way,
- 00:09:36.821 --> 00:09:39.457
- Holy week at the white house and hopefully
- 00:09:39.457 --> 00:09:41.826
- That's setting the tone for our country.
- 00:09:41.826 --> 00:09:43.662
- President trump issued a great proclamation yesterday
- 00:09:43.662 --> 00:09:46.865
- Proclaiming the gospel and saying, look,
- 00:09:46.865 --> 00:09:50.435
- My our lord and savior jesus christ.
- 00:09:50.435 --> 00:09:53.405
- It was really refreshing to see that come
- 00:09:53.405 --> 00:09:54.939
- Out of the white house.
- 00:09:54.939 --> 00:09:58.109
- It is an icon.
- 00:09:58.109 --> 00:09:59.077
- We've never had a president
- 00:09:59.077 --> 00:10:01.346
- In my lifetime that has been
- 00:10:01.346 --> 00:10:03.782
- So crystal clear about his faith.
- 00:10:03.782 --> 00:10:07.185
- And many people will point to his first term.
- 00:10:07.185 --> 00:10:11.890
- The first term was, you know, four years ago today.
- 00:10:11.890 --> 00:10:15.627
- That bullet went it
- 00:10:15.627 --> 00:10:16.594
- Went through his ear in butler, pennsylvania.
- 00:10:16.594 --> 00:10:18.396
- Yeah, i believe god spoke to him.
- 00:10:18.396 --> 00:10:21.166
- And he's a different man
- 00:10:21.166 --> 00:10:22.801
- Than he was just a few years ago or even a year ago.
- 00:10:22.801 --> 00:10:27.038
- And so we need to pray for this man.
- 00:10:27.038 --> 00:10:29.974
- He's he's again, he's the best friend of christians
- 00:10:29.974 --> 00:10:33.678
- Have had in the white house in a long time.
- 00:10:33.678 --> 00:10:37.449
- It's a new day. amen.
- 00:10:37.449 --> 00:10:38.850
- Reverend franklin graham, well-said, as always.
- 00:10:38.850 --> 00:10:40.885
- We can't wait to see you this sunday night,
- 00:10:40.885 --> 00:10:42.454
- Easter, sunday, easter from the ashes.
- 00:10:42.454 --> 00:10:44.556
- Reverend graham, happy easter.
- 00:10:44.556 --> 00:10:46.524
- Thank you so much. god bless you.
- 00:10:46.524 --> 00:10:48.093
- We'll see you again soon.
- 00:10:48.093 --> 00:10:49.427
- And then coming up after the break, ambassador u.s.
- 00:10:49.427 --> 00:10:52.864
- Ambassador mike huckabee is here with us.
- 00:10:52.864 --> 00:10:55.934
- He's been confirmed, folks.
- 00:10:55.934 --> 00:10:57.202
- He's ready to head to jerusalem and take up his new post.
- 00:10:57.202 --> 00:11:00.171
- You won't miss my conversation with him after the break.
- 00:11:00.171 --> 00:11:03.041
- That's next.
- 00:11:03.041 --> 00:11:05.999
- That's next.
- 00:11:05.999 --> 00:11:08.923
- Welcome back to stakelbeck tonight,
- 00:11:09.691 --> 00:11:11.459
- We are honored to welcome the newly confirmed
- 00:11:11.459 --> 00:11:14.028
- United states ambassador to israel, mike huckabee.
- 00:11:14.028 --> 00:11:17.899
- It feels so good to say
- 00:11:17.899 --> 00:11:19.634
- That the senate confirmed ambassador huckabee last week.
- 00:11:19.634 --> 00:11:22.904
- And as israel faces war on several fronts
- 00:11:22.904 --> 00:11:26.241
- And regional threats continue to mount.
- 00:11:26.241 --> 00:11:28.943
- His confirmation could not be more timely.
- 00:11:28.943 --> 00:11:32.280
- Ambassador huckabee, congratulations.
- 00:11:32.280 --> 00:11:34.783
- First of all, it is great to see you as always.
- 00:11:34.783 --> 00:11:37.318
- Hey, you're getting ready, right?
- 00:11:37.318 --> 00:11:38.953
- You're getting ready to head over
- 00:11:38.953 --> 00:11:40.488
- And take the post in jerusalem later this week.
- 00:11:40.488 --> 00:11:45.326
- Absolutely.
- 00:11:45.326 --> 00:11:46.294
- Eric, i tell you, when you say ambassador,
- 00:11:46.294 --> 00:11:48.696
- I stop and look around, see who's here.
- 00:11:48.696 --> 00:11:51.199
- It's still getting
- 00:11:51.199 --> 00:11:53.101
- A little bit fresh for me to sink it all in.
- 00:11:53.101 --> 00:11:56.738
- But it is an exciting time.
- 00:11:56.738 --> 00:11:58.640
- And, you know, the ordeal to go through the process
- 00:11:58.640 --> 00:12:02.143
- Of confirmation is something i had no idea how intense
- 00:12:02.143 --> 00:12:05.180
- It would be,
- 00:12:05.180 --> 00:12:06.915
- But i appreciate so many
- 00:12:06.915 --> 00:12:08.750
- Of the prayers of the people who watch tbn because they've
- 00:12:08.750 --> 00:12:11.719
- They've been a part of this process
- 00:12:11.719 --> 00:12:13.488
- From the time that president trump asked me.
- 00:12:13.488 --> 00:12:15.890
- And i kept
- 00:12:15.890 --> 00:12:16.958
- The tbn audience informed and they saw the last
- 00:12:16.958 --> 00:12:20.428
- Show that i did.
- 00:12:20.428 --> 00:12:21.596
- And now i'm looking forward to welcoming you
- 00:12:21.596 --> 00:12:25.099
- As when
- 00:12:25.099 --> 00:12:25.934
- You come back to jerusalem
- 00:12:25.934 --> 00:12:27.335
- And i look forward to seeing you over there.
- 00:12:27.335 --> 00:12:29.103
- We cannot wait, ambassador.
- 00:12:29.103 --> 00:12:30.705
- And hey,
- 00:12:30.705 --> 00:12:31.973
- President trump is very excited about your appointment as well.
- 00:12:31.973 --> 00:12:34.309
- Here's what he had to say
- 00:12:34.309 --> 00:12:35.643
- In the oval office last week after you were confirmed.
- 00:12:35.643 --> 00:12:38.646
- Let's take a quick listen.
- 00:12:38.646 --> 00:12:43.551
- He's going to be fantastic.
- 00:12:43.551 --> 00:12:45.887
- He's going to bring home the bacon.
- 00:12:45.887 --> 00:12:49.123
- And i know bacon isn't too big in israel.
- 00:12:49.123 --> 00:12:52.827
- It's just that
- 00:12:52.827 --> 00:12:54.229
- It's clear that up
- 00:12:54.229 --> 00:12:58.700
- Now, ambassador, we had to play that
- 00:12:58.700 --> 00:13:00.034
- Just for some comic relief.
- 00:13:00.034 --> 00:13:01.369
- As you know, president trump is a very funny guy.
- 00:13:01.369 --> 00:13:04.072
- But look, you have his full confidence.
- 00:13:04.072 --> 00:13:07.275
- You assume this post knowing that
- 00:13:07.275 --> 00:13:09.510
- The leader of the free world has your back.
- 00:13:09.510 --> 00:13:12.280
- Do you feel that whether he's got the full support
- 00:13:12.280 --> 00:13:14.482
- And of course he has your full support as well,
- 00:13:14.482 --> 00:13:16.818
- Seems like a great relationship there
- 00:13:16.818 --> 00:13:18.586
- That's really going to pay dividends
- 00:13:18.586 --> 00:13:20.121
- For america, israel and the free world.
- 00:13:20.121 --> 00:13:23.958
- Well, it's it's very comforting to know
- 00:13:23.958 --> 00:13:26.294
- That i go with the full support of the president.
- 00:13:26.294 --> 00:13:29.931
- He was the one who asked me i may
- 00:13:29.931 --> 00:13:33.067
- Maybe i should say he didn't ask me.
- 00:13:33.067 --> 00:13:34.502
- He told me i was going.
- 00:13:34.502 --> 00:13:35.937
- I mean, he called me just a few days after the election.
- 00:13:35.937 --> 00:13:38.539
- And if you know president trump and you do,
- 00:13:38.539 --> 00:13:40.341
- You've interviewed him many times,
- 00:13:40.341 --> 00:13:42.176
- He doesn't engage in a lot of small talk.
- 00:13:42.176 --> 00:13:44.679
- It wasn't like,
- 00:13:44.679 --> 00:13:45.847
- Hey, would you consider or maybe you ought to think about
- 00:13:45.847 --> 00:13:48.549
- He called and said, mike, you're going to israel,
- 00:13:48.549 --> 00:13:50.752
- You're going to be my visitor to israel.
- 00:13:50.752 --> 00:13:52.954
- And it was that was it.
- 00:13:52.954 --> 00:13:55.189
- But i was in the white house thursday.
- 00:13:55.189 --> 00:13:57.492
- I asked the president to give me a prayer
- 00:13:57.492 --> 00:14:00.495
- And write it on a slip of paper.
- 00:14:00.495 --> 00:14:01.963
- He did. i have it with me.
- 00:14:01.963 --> 00:14:04.499
- And the first thing i'm going to do, my first official visit
- 00:14:04.499 --> 00:14:08.503
- Anywhere, is to going to go to the wall.
- 00:14:08.503 --> 00:14:10.705
- The western wall? yeah.
- 00:14:10.705 --> 00:14:12.340
- And to place the president's prayer in the wall
- 00:14:12.340 --> 00:14:16.678
- On behalf of the president and the people of america.
- 00:14:16.678 --> 00:14:20.181
- And i just think it's a wonderful way for me to begin
- 00:14:20.181 --> 00:14:23.151
- My service to the country, service to the president,
- 00:14:23.151 --> 00:14:27.121
- By saying to the people of israel,
- 00:14:27.121 --> 00:14:30.325
- The president of the united states
- 00:14:30.325 --> 00:14:32.360
- Sends not just his greetings and his ambassadors,
- 00:14:32.360 --> 00:14:35.663
- But he sends his prayer loving ambassador.
- 00:14:35.663 --> 00:14:38.199
- And look, you're going at a great time.
- 00:14:38.199 --> 00:14:39.667
- Passover, easter sunday is coming up.
- 00:14:39.667 --> 00:14:41.636
- What a great time to assume your new post.
- 00:14:41.636 --> 00:14:44.605
- Hey, speaking of which,
- 00:14:44.605 --> 00:14:45.974
- Your familiarity with benjamin netanyahu, the prime minister,
- 00:14:45.974 --> 00:14:49.310
- You've known him for years. you personally have been
- 00:14:49.310 --> 00:14:51.946
- To israel dozens and dozens of times.
- 00:14:51.946 --> 00:14:54.282
- How much that familiarity help you
- 00:14:54.282 --> 00:14:56.751
- As you start the new position?
- 00:14:56.751 --> 00:15:00.121
- I think
- 00:15:00.121 --> 00:15:00.989
- It's going to be incredibly valuable
- 00:15:00.989 --> 00:15:02.123
- Because i've known him for over 30 years.
- 00:15:02.123 --> 00:15:04.258
- I'm often with him when i'm there.
- 00:15:04.258 --> 00:15:07.195
- Sometimes i don't have any intention
- 00:15:07.195 --> 00:15:08.963
- Of calling him or going to see him,
- 00:15:08.963 --> 00:15:10.832
- And i'll get a call from him. he'll find out
- 00:15:10.832 --> 00:15:12.600
- I'm in the country and i'll get the call.
- 00:15:12.600 --> 00:15:15.570
- The prime minister would like to see you.
- 00:15:15.570 --> 00:15:16.938
- Can you come over to the residence tonight?
- 00:15:16.938 --> 00:15:18.573
- You know, so we've been personal friends for a long, long time.
- 00:15:18.573 --> 00:15:23.077
- It makes it easy for both of us
- 00:15:23.077 --> 00:15:25.847
- In that the rapport is already established.
- 00:15:25.847 --> 00:15:29.050
- And so i think that's going to be a benefit to both the u.s.
- 00:15:29.050 --> 00:15:32.954
- And to israel as we go into this relationship.
- 00:15:32.954 --> 00:15:35.690
- He called me just before i was sworn in last wednesday.
- 00:15:35.690 --> 00:15:40.728
- He had heard about the confirmation
- 00:15:40.728 --> 00:15:42.697
- And the senate vote.
- 00:15:42.697 --> 00:15:44.332
- He called a few minutes later, the foreign minister called.
- 00:15:44.332 --> 00:15:48.603
- There's going to be an incredible opportunity
- 00:15:48.603 --> 00:15:50.905
- To hit the ground
- 00:15:50.905 --> 00:15:51.973
- Running because of knowing so many of the people
- 00:15:51.973 --> 00:15:54.809
- In the government,
- 00:15:54.809 --> 00:15:55.777
- Including a number of members of the knesset.
- 00:15:55.777 --> 00:15:58.880
- Interestingly, the speaker of the knesset,
- 00:15:58.880 --> 00:16:01.616
- Amir kahuna, is also a great guitar player.
- 00:16:01.616 --> 00:16:05.253
- And he and i have already talked about getting together
- 00:16:05.253 --> 00:16:07.789
- And making some music together in jerusalem.
- 00:16:07.789 --> 00:16:11.225
- Love it, love it.
- 00:16:11.225 --> 00:16:12.293
- And by the way, we need to mention, folks,
- 00:16:12.293 --> 00:16:14.462
- That john fetterman,
- 00:16:14.462 --> 00:16:15.430
- The democrat senator across the aisle
- 00:16:15.430 --> 00:16:17.899
- And voted to confirm ambassador huckabee.
- 00:16:17.899 --> 00:16:20.134
- So this was a bipartisan confirmation,
- 00:16:20.134 --> 00:16:22.937
- The state of the u.s.
- 00:16:22.937 --> 00:16:24.138
- Israel relationship.
- 00:16:24.138 --> 00:16:25.306
- Man, it seems like it's never been stronger than it is
- 00:16:25.306 --> 00:16:28.476
- Right now and great opportunity lies ahead.
- 00:16:28.476 --> 00:16:33.281
- No president has done
- 00:16:33.281 --> 00:16:34.682
- As much in this relationship as president trump.
- 00:16:34.682 --> 00:16:37.819
- His first term, abraham accords, golan heights recognition,
- 00:16:37.819 --> 00:16:41.622
- Recognizing jerusalem
- 00:16:41.622 --> 00:16:42.990
- As the eternal capital of the jewish people,
- 00:16:42.990 --> 00:16:45.560
- Moving the embassy, so many things,
- 00:16:45.560 --> 00:16:47.728
- And then most notably the abraham accords.
- 00:16:47.728 --> 00:16:49.864
- So i go with the president, who is in his second term
- 00:16:49.864 --> 00:16:53.868
- And has the ability and capacity to do extraordinary things.
- 00:16:53.868 --> 00:16:59.474
- Yeah, he's got a mandate, he's got leverage,
- 00:16:59.474 --> 00:17:01.542
- And he is not afraid to use it more with a brand new
- 00:17:01.542 --> 00:17:04.779
- Ambassador, u.s.
- 00:17:04.779 --> 00:17:05.880
- Ambassador to israel mike huckabee, after the break.
- 00:17:05.880 --> 00:17:08.182
- A lot to discuss on the geopolitical front.
- 00:17:08.182 --> 00:17:11.252
- Iran, hamas, the houthis and more with ambassador
- 00:17:11.252 --> 00:17:15.223
- Mike huckabee after the break. stick around.
- 00:17:15.223 --> 00:17:20.003
- Mike huckabee after the break. stick around.
- 00:17:20.003 --> 00:17:23.266
- Welcome back to stakelbeck tonight.
- 00:17:24.033 --> 00:17:25.235
- And we're talking
- 00:17:25.235 --> 00:17:26.202
- To the us ambassador to israel, mike huckabee.
- 00:17:26.202 --> 00:17:28.905
- And ambassador, look, big nuclear
- 00:17:28.905 --> 00:17:31.307
- Talks over the weekend that just passed the u.s.
- 00:17:31.307 --> 00:17:34.477
- And iran engaging in talks over that iranian nuclear program.
- 00:17:34.477 --> 00:17:38.982
- Are you optimistic about these talks?
- 00:17:38.982 --> 00:17:41.251
- I think of ronald reagan, trust but verify.
- 00:17:41.251 --> 00:17:43.820
- What's your view of those talks?
- 00:17:43.820 --> 00:17:45.588
- And round two, by the way,
- 00:17:45.588 --> 00:17:47.157
- Coming up this saturday, reportedly in rome.
- 00:17:47.157 --> 00:17:51.961
- We always want to believe and have hope
- 00:17:51.961 --> 00:17:55.098
- That it's going to result in something extraordinary.
- 00:17:55.098 --> 00:17:58.501
- But let's be honest, for 45 years, the ayatollah
- 00:17:58.501 --> 00:18:01.704
- Of iran have broken every promise they made.
- 00:18:01.704 --> 00:18:05.341
- About the only promise they've kept is their commitment
- 00:18:05.341 --> 00:18:08.111
- To, say, death to israel and death to the united states.
- 00:18:08.111 --> 00:18:11.247
- I just think that the president has been crystal clear
- 00:18:11.247 --> 00:18:14.484
- That the iranians are not going to get a nuclear weapon.
- 00:18:14.484 --> 00:18:18.087
- And as soon as they come to understand that, the better
- 00:18:18.087 --> 00:18:20.957
- And they can do it the easy way, are
- 00:18:20.957 --> 00:18:22.425
- They can do it the hard way.
- 00:18:22.425 --> 00:18:23.593
- And the president has made that clear.
- 00:18:23.593 --> 00:18:25.395
- But what may come is an absolute certainty
- 00:18:25.395 --> 00:18:29.999
- That whatever ambitions they have
- 00:18:29.999 --> 00:18:31.834
- About a nuclear weapon, they need to let them go.
- 00:18:31.834 --> 00:18:34.737
- Yeah, and if president trump in office, i mean, he epitomizes
- 00:18:34.737 --> 00:18:38.541
- Peace through strength.
- 00:18:38.541 --> 00:18:40.476
- So when you have president trump at the helm,
- 00:18:40.476 --> 00:18:42.378
- You trust his judgment on this issue.
- 00:18:42.378 --> 00:18:44.614
- Let's let the talks play out
- 00:18:44.614 --> 00:18:45.915
- And as you said, see where it leads.
- 00:18:45.915 --> 00:18:47.684
- But knowing we have a steady hand at the helm
- 00:18:47.684 --> 00:18:49.986
- Who grasp the threat and the nature
- 00:18:49.986 --> 00:18:52.021
- Of the iranian regime, to me is reassuring.
- 00:18:52.021 --> 00:18:54.724
- Speaking of which, one of iran's main proxies,
- 00:18:54.724 --> 00:18:57.193
- The houthis in yemen, this is an underreported story.
- 00:18:57.193 --> 00:19:01.030
- I think.
- 00:19:01.030 --> 00:19:02.098
- Ambassador, president trump has been pulverizing
- 00:19:02.098 --> 00:19:04.834
- The houthis on a practically daily basis.
- 00:19:04.834 --> 00:19:08.004
- Can you talk
- 00:19:08.004 --> 00:19:09.272
- More about that, how the houthis are in big trouble right now?
- 00:19:09.272 --> 00:19:12.408
- Yeah, and i think people underestimate
- 00:19:12.408 --> 00:19:14.777
- The sophistication of the houthis.
- 00:19:14.777 --> 00:19:16.679
- You know, we think of them as sort of a tribal group,
- 00:19:16.679 --> 00:19:19.382
- But they have some significant weaponry
- 00:19:19.382 --> 00:19:21.551
- And they've been using it against the united states.
- 00:19:21.551 --> 00:19:24.087
- And under the biden administration,
- 00:19:24.087 --> 00:19:25.421
- It just continue to happen with virtually no punishment at all.
- 00:19:25.421 --> 00:19:30.493
- President trump has said, nope, you're
- 00:19:30.493 --> 00:19:32.061
- Not going to fire on our navy and do it with impunity.
- 00:19:32.061 --> 00:19:36.132
- So he's been pulverizing the houthis, which is exactly
- 00:19:36.132 --> 00:19:39.836
- What needs to happen.
- 00:19:39.836 --> 00:19:41.304
- And if we can see these proxies, whether it's
- 00:19:41.304 --> 00:19:44.607
- The houthis, hezbollah, hamas decimated,
- 00:19:44.607 --> 00:19:48.511
- Then iran doesn't have its arms and legs out there
- 00:19:48.511 --> 00:19:51.648
- To do the kicking and scratching that has been doing.
- 00:19:51.648 --> 00:19:54.384
- President trump has already put the sanctions back on iran.
- 00:19:54.384 --> 00:19:58.354
- I've said many times that in his first term
- 00:19:58.354 --> 00:20:01.391
- He didn't have to bomb them because he bankrupted them
- 00:20:01.391 --> 00:20:04.494
- And made it impossible for them
- 00:20:04.494 --> 00:20:06.062
- To move forward with some of their very nefarious intentions.
- 00:20:06.062 --> 00:20:10.933
- He's put those
- 00:20:10.933 --> 00:20:12.835
- Very strict sanctions back in place.
- 00:20:12.835 --> 00:20:15.638
- But i think we have to recognize that the iranians,
- 00:20:15.638 --> 00:20:19.242
- They don't necessarily
- 00:20:19.242 --> 00:20:21.344
- Want to behave in the sandbox very well,
- 00:20:21.344 --> 00:20:23.946
- And sometimes they have to be shown the hard way.
- 00:20:23.946 --> 00:20:26.949
- Ambassador, you talked about hamas.
- 00:20:26.949 --> 00:20:28.551
- You mentioned hamas and other iranian proxy.
- 00:20:28.551 --> 00:20:31.421
- What is your view right now on the hostage situation?
- 00:20:31.421 --> 00:20:34.390
- Are we any closer
- 00:20:34.390 --> 00:20:36.492
- To seeing the remainder of the living hostages released?
- 00:20:36.492 --> 00:20:39.195
- Is there any hope there as we head into easter?
- 00:20:39.195 --> 00:20:42.398
- There's much hope.
- 00:20:42.398 --> 00:20:44.000
- And the only reason there is hope is because president
- 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:46.569
- Trump has made it clear that the hostages must come home.
- 00:20:46.569 --> 00:20:49.839
- And, of course, we have
- 00:20:49.839 --> 00:20:51.374
- A hostage, john alexander, who is an american citizen.
- 00:20:51.374 --> 00:20:54.610
- He's one of the living hostages
- 00:20:54.610 --> 00:20:55.978
- That we desperately want to get home.
- 00:20:55.978 --> 00:20:58.181
- One of my first goals upon arriving at israel
- 00:20:58.181 --> 00:21:01.617
- This week is to do whatever can be done to get him out.
- 00:21:01.617 --> 00:21:07.290
- But frankly,
- 00:21:07.290 --> 00:21:08.558
- All of the 59 hostages, about 21, are believed to be alive.
- 00:21:08.558 --> 00:21:11.861
- The rest perished.
- 00:21:11.861 --> 00:21:13.496
- But there remains to be brought back to their families.
- 00:21:13.496 --> 00:21:15.865
- That's very, very important.
- 00:21:15.865 --> 00:21:17.633
- And hamas has, as you well know,
- 00:21:17.633 --> 00:21:21.170
- Eric, they've tried everything in the world to delay.
- 00:21:21.170 --> 00:21:24.240
- They're a desperate rat trying to hang on
- 00:21:24.240 --> 00:21:27.009
- To the last piece of cheese that they need to understand.
- 00:21:27.009 --> 00:21:30.780
- President trump is not of a mind
- 00:21:30.780 --> 00:21:34.016
- To let them have any future whatsoever in gaza.
- 00:21:34.016 --> 00:21:37.854
- And like iran.
- 00:21:37.854 --> 00:21:39.155
- The sooner they understand that, the better it is for everyone.
- 00:21:39.155 --> 00:21:42.658
- Ambassador? well said.
- 00:21:42.658 --> 00:21:43.659
- I think people really need to understand
- 00:21:43.659 --> 00:21:45.461
- It's not going back to the way it was.
- 00:21:45.461 --> 00:21:48.131
- Hamas, as we know it, is gone.
- 00:21:48.131 --> 00:21:50.199
- Gaza as we know it is done as well.
- 00:21:50.199 --> 00:21:52.535
- And president trump
- 00:21:52.535 --> 00:21:53.603
- Has a great vision for gaza and for the region.
- 00:21:53.603 --> 00:21:56.072
- And you, my friend, are going to help
- 00:21:56.072 --> 00:21:57.340
- Put that vision into action. congratulations again.
- 00:21:57.340 --> 00:22:00.143
- Ambassador mike huckabee,
- 00:22:00.143 --> 00:22:01.411
- We look forward to seeing you this year in jerusalem
- 00:22:01.411 --> 00:22:03.980
- And doing this again face to face at the embassy.
- 00:22:03.980 --> 00:22:06.616
- Ambassador. god bless you. thanks again.
- 00:22:06.616 --> 00:22:08.751
- Happy easter.
- 00:22:08.751 --> 00:22:09.886
- And coming up after the break, my final thoughts.
- 00:22:09.886 --> 00:22:12.422
- We're talking u.s., israel, middle east during this easter
- 00:22:12.422 --> 00:22:16.359
- Passover season. how it all affects you.
- 00:22:16.359 --> 00:22:19.328
- Some biblical wisdom after the break.
- 00:22:19.328 --> 00:22:21.764
- Don't move.
- 00:22:21.764 --> 00:22:28.002
- Don't move.
- 00:22:28.002 --> 00:22:30.941
- Welcome back to stakelbeck tonight folks.
- 00:22:31.809 --> 00:22:33.510
- Great conversations with ambassador
- 00:22:33.510 --> 00:22:35.412
- Mike huckabee, reverend franklin graham.
- 00:22:35.412 --> 00:22:37.247
- We're talking america, israel.
- 00:22:37.247 --> 00:22:38.916
- This verse certainly applies for both nations.
- 00:22:38.916 --> 00:22:41.685
- Second chronicles, you know, the verse
- 00:22:41.685 --> 00:22:43.454
- Chapter seven, verse 14 if my people who are called by
- 00:22:43.454 --> 00:22:47.324
- My name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face
- 00:22:47.324 --> 00:22:51.495
- And turn from their wicked ways, then i will hear from heaven
- 00:22:51.495 --> 00:22:55.532
- And i will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
- 00:22:55.532 --> 00:22:59.570
- This is happening right now in america
- 00:22:59.570 --> 00:23:01.438
- In real time before our very eyes.
- 00:23:01.438 --> 00:23:03.407
- Big thanks to president trump, this administration
- 00:23:03.407 --> 00:23:05.876
- For honoring god, and he will honor us
- 00:23:05.876 --> 00:23:08.312
- If we continue to do exactly that. tomorrow.
- 00:23:08.312 --> 00:23:11.148
- White house faith office.
- 00:23:11.148 --> 00:23:12.382
- We've got some reps from there here.
- 00:23:12.382 --> 00:23:13.917
- And also rafael cruz, father of senator ted cruz, talking
- 00:23:13.917 --> 00:23:17.955
- Faith, family and freedom.
- 00:23:17.955 --> 00:23:19.590
- You won't want to miss it until then.
- 00:23:19.590 --> 00:23:21.291
- God bless you and we'll see you soon.
- 00:23:21.291 --> 00:23:21.291
