In brief
Evangelical leaders call for U.S. support of Israel’s ownership of the West Bank, intensifying tensions over the future of Palestine.
Evangelical Christian leaders who played a crucial role in securing votes for President Trump are now advocating for him to declare that Israel has rightful ownership of the West Bank. This territory, captured from Jordan during the 1967 war, is widely regarded as potential land for a future Palestinian state. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli settlers have been increasing their presence in the area, further complicating the situation.A group of influential evangelical figures, including Ralph Reed, Tony Perkins, and Mario Bramnick, are actively pressuring the president through various channels, such as public appearances in Israel, petitions handed to the White House, and discussions at significant evangelical conferences. Their message, rooted in the beliefs of Christian Zionism, argues that the land was biblically promised to the Jewish people. During a recent visit to Jerusalem, Bramnick stated, “I literally feel God is giving Israel a blank check,” echoing the sentiments of many within the movement who are urging strong U.S. backing for Israel's sovereignty in the disputed territory.
