US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday the selection of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as Washington's ambassador to Israel.

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (AFP) Trump said in a statement that Huckabee "loves Israel and the people of Israel, and the people of Israel love him back. Mike will work tirelessly to restore peace to the Middle East."

The US president-elect is proceeding with selecting officials for his next administration, appointing to key positions people close to him who are known for their hardline approach towards China, such as influential Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who is likely to take over as Secretary of State.

Rubio also calls for tightening US sanctions on Iran over progress in its nuclear program.