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Prominent evangelical leaders across the United States express strong confidence in former President Donald Trump’s unwavering support for Israel, particularly as the nation faces a renewed conflict with Iran.
As Israel embarks on a military campaign targeting Iranian interests, these leaders emphasize the enduring bond between the Jewish people and their ancestral homeland. They cite shared values derived from biblical teachings as key motivators for their steadfast support of Israel.
The evangelical community played a significant role in securing Trump’s presidency, with many leaders asserting that his administration should actively support Israel’s biblical rights to its historical regions, including Judea and Samaria. Dr. Mike Evans, founder of the Friends of Zion, conveyed this sentiment through an interview with Fox News Digital.
Evans remarked on the importance of the evangelical vote, saying, “President Trump won because of the Evangelical vote. There are 52 million of us in America, and we are Bible believers,” adding that Jesus’ teachings advocate for witnessing in all Judea and Samaria. His organization claims a membership of nearly 30 million.
On Trump’s strategy toward Iran, Evans stated, “The Trump strategy is brilliant because he’s giving Iran a way out. However, he is not discounting the potential for military action against Iran. If Iran attacks U.S. interests, there will be significant repercussions.”
Support for Israel Central to Evangelicals
Pastor John Hagee, the founder and chairman of Christians United for Israel, which boasts around 10 million members, reaffirmed that supporting Israel remains central to American evangelical concern. He noted that since the 9/11 attacks and the recent atrocities committed by Hamas, this support has intensified among evangelicals.
Hagee articulated that for many evangelical Christians, backing Israel is rooted in deep religious conviction. They view appeasement of Iran and appeasement of terrorists not only as misguided policy but as morally reprehensible.
Just days before Israel’s military action against Iran, Hagee discussed Trump’s potential challenges. He stated, “I do not think President Trump will allow himself to be misled by Iranian negotiators or isolationist Americans. When it matters, I believe he will take the necessary steps to ensure Iran is neutralized, either by empowering our strongest ally, Israel, or through other means.”
Continued Advocacy for Israel
Following the onset of military actions against Iran, Hagee issued a recorded message urging his supporters to express their gratitude to Trump for his steadfast support of Israel and to encourage him to maintain this course of action.
He urged, “We must stand with Israel today and every day. Iran’s future as a dangerous force in the Middle East is now in jeopardy. Only the Iranian people can reclaim their country. Israel is paving the way for a greater international dialogue, and now the U.S. should support its only democratic ally willing to protect the free world.”
Faith-Based Convictions
Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, spoke on social media about the escalating threat posed by Iran to both Israel and the United States. Graham highlighted Iran’s stated intentions against Israel, emphasizing, “Iran has repeatedly indicated a desire to eradicate Israel and has ambitions to undermine American security. Israel finds itself in desperate need of our prayers as it defends itself.”
He further underlined the historical connection of the Jewish people to their land, emphasizing religious values that support this belief. Graham stated, “Most evangelical Christians adhere to the Bible’s teachings. We believe that God assigned this land to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Every inch belongs to the Jewish people.”
Graham also stressed the significance of U.S. support for Israel, citing both strategic merits and democratic ideals. He remarked, “The U.S. government has supported Israel since its inception, and it is crucial that this support continues. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East that practices free elections and provides fundamental freedoms to its citizens.”
Scriptural Foundations for Support
As Evans quoted scripture, he observed that God’s promise in Genesis reinforces the faith-based rationale for supporting Israel. He stated, “In Genesis chapter 12, God declared, ‘I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you.’ Evangelicals believe that pressuring Israel to sacrificially give up land will ultimately curse America. In matters between God’s word and anyone else’s, evangelicals will support God’s word.”
Hagee added that biblical teachings affirm blessings for those who stand with Israel, framing this belief as a blend of spiritual conviction and practical truth. He noted, “The benefits of supporting Israel are tangible. From intelligence sharing to technological advancements, America has received countless blessings through its alliance with Israel. Turning away from Israel could result in dire consequences for America and the preservation of freedom in the Middle East.”
Addressing Recent Antisemitism
Ongoing antisemitic incidents in the United States have made the issue deeply personal for many, especially following recent attacks on American soil. Hagee pointed to notable events, such as a Molotov cocktail attack during a pro-Israel march in Boulder, Colorado. These tragedies underscore the urgent need to combat antisemitism.
He expressed the hope that Congress will address the rising tide of violent antisemitism through meaningful legislation. Hagee criticized the political inertia surrounding the Antisemitism Awareness Act and the proposed Countering Hate Against Israel by Federal Contractors Act to prohibit federal agencies from engaging with companies advocating boycotts against Israel, stating, “That Congress continues to hesitate on this vital issue is a shameful act.”
Future Actions and Challenges
As the debate unfolds regarding a potential Palestinian state, Evans reiterated that Trump’s administration appears poised to take a strong position against measures to endorse such recognition. He remarked, “We are not overly concerned, as we trust that the president will reject any resolutions at the U.N. Security Council that advocate for a Palestinian state at this juncture. The premise of land-for-peace has not yielded security for Israel; the tragic losses in lives make it clear that such an approach does not work.”
Evans concluded by asserting that Israel is facing a crucial existential threat and can no longer engage in the flawed land-for-peace negotiations. He stated, “The only path forward lies in the cessation of terrorism. We believe President Trump supports this imperative of moral clarity, a sentiment echoed by the broader evangelical community.”
