700,000 Americans Living in Israel: Amb. Mike Huckabee Talks Responsibility for US Citizens

Few people realize that Israel is home to one of the largest American expat communities in the world. With around 700,000 U.S. citizens living there, the security of Israel is not only a regional issue but also a matter of direct American concern. Protecting this community highlights the unique bond between Washington and Jerusalem and the responsibility both nations share in a volatile region.

America’s Largest Expat Community Outside Mexico

U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee recently told David Friedman that Israel now hosts the largest American community abroad outside Mexico. Seven hundred thousand residents is roughly the population of a congressional district, and their presence explains why U.S. policymakers follow Israeli security so closely.

What happens in Israel has immediate consequences for hundreds of thousands of American families.

Living Under Real Threats

Huckabee described how the U.S. Embassy operations in Israel differ from those in most countries.

Staff must be prepared for emergencies at any moment. Sirens can sound with little warning, forcing people to move quickly into shelters while missile defense systems intercept incoming rockets. Unlike in many places where embassies focus on ceremonies and diplomacy, in Israel the top priority is ensuring the safety of American citizens.

U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee recently spoke with David Friedman about the massive American presence in Israel and the responsibility the U.S. holds for its citizens abroad.

Resilience and Preparedness

One of the striking features of Israeli society, Huckabee noted, is how calmly people respond to danger. Families seek shelter when necessary, then return to meals or daily life with remarkable composure.

This attitude is supported by decades of preparation, as nearly every home and public building includes a reinforced shelter. Such resilience creates confidence both for Israelis and for the Americans living among them.

Confidence in Israeli Defense

Despite frequent threats, Huckabee argued that Americans in Israel may actually be safer than in other regions of conflict. Systems like Iron Dome, along with Israel’s broader defense network, make mass evacuations unnecessary. He stressed that Israel views the safety of U.S. citizens as a priority equal to its own people. As he put it, “The Israelis will protect the Americans. They are not going to leave them to their own devices.”

A Shared Security Commitment

The presence of  700,000  Americans in Israel is more than a demographic curiosity. It is a reminder that the U.S.–Israel alliance is not just about foreign policy but about real lives at stake. Protecting this community requires ongoing cooperation and highlights how deeply American and Israeli destinies remain intertwined.