US Ambassador Mike Huckabee tells people in Lebanon to be grateful for what he describes as Israeli contributions to daily life, as footage of his remarks circulates online. In a speech shared after being recorded at the Atlas Awards in Tel Aviv on 12 May, Huckabee lists examples including USB drives, cherry tomatoes and seedless watermelons. He says Lebanon would not have certain technologies or conveniences “if there were no Israel,” and he urges listeners to cross the border, shake hands and “thank” Israel. The remarks are being highlighted against the backdrop of heavy Israeli bombardment in Lebanon’s south, where residents attempting to return to their homes are reportedly targeted. Lebanon’s Health Ministry says Israeli air strikes have killed 3,151 people and wounded 9,571 since 2 March, including 123 medics, at least 210 children and nearly 300 women. Both outlets also note that Huckabee is a Christian Zionist and has previously backed Israeli government policies, including comments on Israel’s biblical right to expand and support for US-Israeli pressure on Iran, which is described as ongoing at a stalemate.