Prominent evangelical supporters of President Trump are advocating for U.S. policy changes that would legitimize Israel's annexation of the West Bank, citing biblical promises. This movement reflects the significant influence evangelical Christians have within Trump's voter base and raises complex implications for Israeli-Palestinian relations.
Evangelicals Urge Trump to Support Israeli Annexation of West Bank
Evangelicals Urge Trump to Support Israeli Annexation of West Bank
A coalition of evangelical Christian leaders is lobbying President Trump for a U.S. recognition of Israeli claims to the West Bank, which could hinder the prospect of a future Palestinian state.
Evangelical Christian leaders who played a crucial role in securing President Trump's initial election are now escalating their calls for him to endorse Israel's claim over the West Bank. They argue that a biblical promise grants Jews ownership of this territory, which has long been considered a potential site for a future Palestinian state. Following its seizure from Jordan during the 1967 war, Israel has maintained a military presence in the area and has seen a recent surge in settlement construction under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration.
The push is being spearheaded by key figures within the evangelical community, such as Ralph Reed, Tony Perkins, and Mario Bramnick, who have collectively adopted a strategic approach to advocate for this policy change. Their efforts include travel to Israel, presenting petitions to the White House, exerting influence at a significant evangelical conference, and rallying support from members of Congress.
On a recent visit to Jerusalem, these leaders reaffirmed their belief in Israel's sovereign right over the West Bank. Bramnick, a pastor and prominent figure in the Latino Coalition for Israel, expressed a conviction that "God is giving Israel a blank check," alluding to the divine endorsement they perceive for Israel's territorial claims.
This movement is part of the broader Christian Zionist agenda, which emphasizes the evangelical belief that the landwas bestowed to the Jews as per biblical scriptures. The implications of such a policy change are profound, as it could complicate any prospects for future negotiations aimed at establishing a Palestinian state and solidify Israel's dominance over the contested territory.
