President-elect of the United States Donald Trump has appointed Steve Witkoff, known as a 'real estate tycoon' and 'golf buddy,' as his special envoy to the Middle East.
On the 12th (local time), Trump issued a statement saying, "Steve is a respected leader in business and philanthropy." He introduced Witkoff by saying, "He has made every project and community he has been involved in stronger and more prosperous," and added, "He will be a steadfast voice for peace and will make us all proud."
Witkoff, a real estate businessman residing in New York, is well known as a longtime friend of President-elect Trump. As co-chairman of the inauguration committee, he was with Trump during the second assassination attempt at a golf course last September. He also testified as a witness in one of Trump's lawsuits.
Meanwhile, on the same day, President-elect Trump chose former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the U.S. ambassador to Israel, a key role in implementing the Middle East policy of his second administration. Huckabee, a former Baptist pastor and conservative who has the support of the U.S. Christian fundamentalist community, is considered by major foreign media to be a welcome choice for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who seeks to strengthen U.S. support for Israel.
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