In a surprising twist, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent engagement in the United States wasn't initially with Jewish leaders but rather with evangelical ones, underscoring a unique alliance. The meeting took place at Blair House near the White House, just before Netanyahu's high-profile dialogue with then-President Donald Trump. This gathering highlighted an enduring friendship between Israel and American Christians, rooted in shared religious and political interests.
Leading the charge was Pastor Jentezen Franklin, a key figure within evangelical circles and an advisor to Trump. The event saw influential figures like former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and Family Research Council President Tony Perkins in attendance. Among them, Christian Zionists stood out, including Pastor John Hagee of Christians United for Israel, boasting a staggering membership of 10 million.
Christian Zionism finds its basis in certain evangelical Christian doctrines that interpret biblical scriptures as a divine promise of the land of Israel to the Jewish people, with additional beliefs in biblical prophecies about Jewish conversion to Christianity. These religious convictions have significant political implications, particularly in supporting Israeli policies and leaders.
The relationship between American evangelicals and Israel holds substantial political weight, influencing U.S. policy decisions, notably under Trump's administration. Evangelicals have not shied away from backing controversial stances. For instance, Trump's provocative proposal concerning the Gaza Strip, suggesting relocation and redevelopment, sparked diverse reactions. Trump visualized transforming Gaza into 'the Middle East's Riviera'—a notion echoed by his son-in-law Jared Kushner, who saw potential in its waterfront properties.
Though innovative, such proposals garnered criticism, especially from figures like Nihad Awad of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, who argued that Gaza should remain with Palestinians. Awad insisted on ending Israeli occupation as a pathway to peace.
Inside Jewish communities in the U.S., sentiments were mixed. Rabbi Rick Jacobs of the Union for Reform Judaism expressed skepticism, critiquing that forcibly altering demographics would only prolong conflict, not resolve it. Conversely, Rabbi Moshe Hauer of the Orthodox Union deemed past Gaza policies unsustainable, suggesting deliberation over new approaches.
Emphasizing Trump's initiative, Sam Markstein of the Republican Jewish Coalition praised the bold new vision aiming to disrupt old, ineffective strategies and claimed Trump as potentially the most pro-Israel U.S. president.
The bond between Christian Zionists and Israel received further reinforcement as Senator Tom Cotton reintroduced legislation mandating the use of 'Judea and Samaria' instead of 'West Bank' in official U.S. documents. This aligns with the biblical nomenclature favored by Israel, marking a symbolic acknowledgment of historical ties to the land.
Using 'Judea and Samaria' is emblematic for evangelicals and resonates strongly at gatherings like those of Christians United for Israel, where speakers often highlight biblical language to rally support. Mike Huckabee's assertion that these lands, ordained by God, belong to Israel, echoes this sentiment.
Historically, Judea and Samaria were distinct kingdoms during Israel's ancient reign, reflecting a complex past that feeds into current geopolitical dialogues. This narrative underscores the entwined religious and political support systems, which have major influences in both domestic and international arenas.