Evangelical Leaders Advocate for Trump to Acknowledge Israeli Sovereignty Over Biblical Heartland

Evangelical Leaders Advocate for Trump to Acknowledge Israeli Sovereignty Over Biblical Heartland

TEL AVIV, Israel – An influential coalition of American Christians has made a significant public statement supporting the Jewish people’s claim to Judea and Samaria, a region referred to as the biblical heartland of Israel. This area is more commonly known as the West Bank.

The announcement first emerged at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Dallas, where the group American Christian Leaders for Israel revealed plans to gather signatures from 3,000 religious leaders before delivering the document to President Donald Trump.

This declaration calling for Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria follows Trump’s recent comments indicating an announcement on annexation is forthcoming. Last month, when questioned about the prospect of annexation, Trump hinted at potential developments.

The Historical Context of the Region

The Oslo Accords, established during the Clinton administration in the 1990s, segmented the West Bank into three distinct regions: Area A, which is under full Palestinian control; Area B, where the Palestinian civil administration coexists with Israeli security oversight; and Area C, which is under total Israeli authority.

In 2020, Trump proposed a plan termed Peace to Prosperity, which included provisions for Israel to annex portions of Judea and Samaria. However, this plan was later overshadowed by the Abraham Accords, which established normalized relations between Israel and four Arab nations.

Support from Evangelical Leaders

Dr. Mike Evans, founder of Friends of Zion with nearly 30 million members, emphasized the importance of this issue, stating that evangelicals played a key role in Trump’s election. He believes Trump will align with their biblical perspective, a sentiment echoed by his choice of Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Jerusalem.

The declaration asserts the Jewish people’s unconditional right to their ancestral homeland in Judea and Samaria while rejecting external pressures demanding that they relinquish control of these territories.

Evans elaborated on the evangelical support for Israel, which stems from a belief in moral clarity, viewing support for Israel as standing against evil. He noted that the violence against Jews is rooted not in territorial disputes but in outright anti-Semitism.

In a similar vein, Pastor John Hagee, the founder of Christians United for Israel, spoke of the divine promise to Israel. Hagee reinforced the idea that the biblical text serves as a title deed to the land, which historically belongs to the Jewish people.

Political Backing for Israeli Sovereignty

Recently, some Republican lawmakers, led by Rep. Claudia Tenney from New York, echoed the call for Trump to officially recognize Judea and Samaria as part of Israel. They assert that sovereignty over this region is integral to shared Judeo-Christian heritage.

Israel’s Parliament Speaker Amir Ohana emphasized that extending sovereignty over Judea and Samaria is vital for achieving sustainable peace. His assertion reflects a broader sentiment among Israeli officials regarding the necessity of controlling this territory.

Another Likud Party lawmaker, Dan Illouz, warned that past withdrawals from territories like Gaza have led to disastrous outcomes, reinforcing the belief that yielding territory to those who threaten Israel’s existence is no longer a viable option.

Concerns Over Territory Control

Yossi Beilin, a former Israeli lawmaker and architect of the Oslo Accords, expressed concerns about the implications of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, stating that it could jeopardize the democratic nature of Israel. He insisted that any shift towards greater Israeli control in this area could lead to potential instability.

Amid rising tensions, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified military actions in Judea and Samaria following recent terrorist attacks, including explosive devices being discovered near Tel Aviv.

Ahmad Fattouh, a spokesperson for President Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah faction, condemned the Israeli government’s actions, describing them as part of a colonial and ethnic cleansing agenda. He emphasized that annexation of the West Bank would undermine the prospects for any future stability or peace.

The Push for Sovereignty in Context

Leaders in the Yesha Council, representing communities in Judea and Samaria, are actively advocating for U.S. support in their quest for sovereignty. They believe that a strong backing from the Trump administration is essential in this endeavor.

Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus (ret.), once an IDF spokesperson, highlighted the security implications of the territory, explaining that control of Judea and Samaria is crucial for the security of Israel’s major population centers and critical infrastructure.

Conricus pointed out that about 500,000 Israelis currently reside in Judea and Samaria, placing a premium on their protection amid escalating tensions since the October 7 attacks.

The Historical Connection to the Land

Ze’ev Orenstein, director of international affairs at the City of David Foundation, articulated the Jewish people’s profound historical connection to the Land of Israel, asserting that their ties to Judea and Samaria extend back thousands of years. He remarked that no other nation shares such a deep-rooted connection to a specific territory.

This ongoing discussion about sovereignty over Judea and Samaria marks a significant juncture in Israeli politics, reflecting the complexities of national identity, territorial claims, and geopolitical strategy.