U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee lauded Israel during his first official visit to the country, while offering prayers for peace. Huckabee’s visit to Jerusalem coincided with Good Friday and came after Israel launched several airstrikes across Gaza on Friday that killed at least 25 people in its war against Hamas.

Mr. Huckabee’s nomination drew sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers and some faith groups, who said his past statements on Palestinian identity were “highly incendiary.”