Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized the growing efforts in the United States to sever the longstanding bond between Christians and Jews. Addressing an event in Jerusalem, he pointed to a disturbing trend where Israel is increasingly depicted as a threat to Christians. Netanyahu highlighted Israel as a beacon for Christianity in the Middle East, where Christians face persecution in many neighboring regions. He contrasted the flourishing Christian community in Nazareth with the dramatic decline in Bethlehem’s Christian population after Israeli withdrawal, which led to decreased protections under Palestinian Authority control.
Pastor John Hagee, founder of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), supported Netanyahu’s views, asserting that the motivations behind anti-Israel sentiments stem from two groups: those seeking relevance through antisemitism and those with genuine anti-Jewish hatred. He noted that Christian Zionism serves as a stronghold against rising antisemitism in America, and that those wishing to undermine Israel recognize that the Jewish-Christian alliance poses a significant obstacle to their objectives. Hagee condemned the mainstream media for amplifying anti-Israel narratives that benefit Palestinian terrorists, reinforcing the need for solidarity among supporters of Israel.
Netanyahu criticized media portrayals that misrepresent Israel’s role as a defender of Christianity in the region, labeling these depictions as “folly” and “lies.” He urged individuals to champion shared values and the truth, framing support for Israel as a stand against the pervasive falsehoods. His comments were particularly relevant due to recent allegations involving extremist settlers attacking churches and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) unintentionally striking a church during military operations in Gaza. These incidents have heightened sensitivities and created diplomatic tensions, further complicating Israel’s role as a protector of Christian interests.
Dr. Mike Evans, founder of the Friends of Zion Heritage Center, noted the ongoing influence of anti-Israel actors on American college campuses, highlighting a pervasive belief that delegitimizes Israel’s existence. He argued that anti-Zionism equates to antisemitism and emphasized the importance of instilling a biblical worldview among Christians, cautioning against the historical dangers of theological misinterpretations. Evans pointed to the alignment of some German evangelical groups with Nazi ideologies during World War II as a failure to uphold biblical tenets, making the case for educational efforts to reinforce support for Israel among Christians.
David Parsons of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) acknowledged that Christian support for Israel has reached unprecedented levels, a trend that predates and will continue beyond current political leadership. However, he noted that this support faces challenges, particularly from younger Christians who may not share the same foundational beliefs about Israel. He emphasized the importance of intergenerational transmission of faith regarding Israel’s significance and advocated for experiential learning opportunities in Israel, which can help reconnect young Christians with their historical and spiritual ties to the land.
Parsons expressed optimism about the potential for renewed interest among younger generations once the situation in Gaza stabilizes. He highlighted the innovative achievements of Israel as factors likely to inspire curiosity and support. As he articulated, visiting Israel firsthand can foster personal connections that challenge negative narratives encountered in more elite academic settings. The hope remains that through education and experience, a new wave of young evangelicals will emerge, armed with a more informed, positive perspective on the Jewish state and its historical significance within Christianity.
