Netanyahu Rallies Christian Support in Jerusalem, Decrying ‘Campaign of Lies’ Against Israel
JERUSALEM – In a fervent appeal to a global Christian audience, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, joined by his wife, Sara, and White House Faith Office senior advisor, Pastor Paula White, underscored the enduring historical and spiritual bonds between Jews and Christians at Daystar’s “Together as One” event. Held in the heart of Jerusalem, the event served as a platform for Netanyahu to denounce what he termed a concerted “campaign of lies” aimed at eroding this crucial alliance. He framed the relationship between Israel and its Christian supporters as a bulwark against radical forces threatening not only regional stability but also the very foundations of Judeo-Christian values.
Netanyahu’s address resonated with themes of shared heritage and destiny, tracing the lineage of modern democracy back to the “idea of freedom” born in the land of Israel. He depicted the U.S.-Israel alliance as a divinely ordained partnership, “bonded in faith, in history, in tradition,” emphasizing the biblical underpinnings that inform both nations’ identities. Echoing this sentiment, Netanyahu declared, “We live the Bible. We have a future because we have a past.” This powerful invocation of shared scripture served to solidify the common ground between Israel and its Christian allies, portraying their relationship as rooted in a divinely inspired narrative.
The Prime Minister’s rhetoric sharpened as he turned his attention to the perceived threats facing Israel and the broader Judeo-Christian world. He pointedly accused radical Islamist movements, specifically Hamas and Iran, of seeking to dismantle the ties between Jews and Christians. Rejecting portrayals of Israel as antagonistic towards Christians, Netanyahu characterized such narratives as deliberate falsehoods designed to sow discord. He highlighted Israel’s status as a haven for Christians in the Middle East, contrasting it with the declining Christian population in Bethlehem following Israeli withdrawal. This stark comparison served to underscore his assertion that “Israel is the only country in the Middle East where Christians thrive,” reinforcing the narrative of Israel as a protector of Christian communities in a volatile region.
Addressing allegations of Israeli culpability for humanitarian crises in Gaza, Netanyahu vehemently denied claims of a deliberate starvation policy. He categorized such accusations as “egregious falsehoods” and attributed responsibility for suffering in the Gaza Strip to Hamas, accusing the organization of diverting aid and obstructing its delivery. His unequivocal declaration that “There is no starvation policy. There is no starvation in Gaza,” aimed to directly counter criticisms of Israel’s humanitarian record and shift the blame squarely onto Hamas.
Central to Netanyahu’s message was a call to action, urging Christian leaders and audiences to join Israel in combating what he termed the “eighth front” – the battle against misinformation and distorted narratives. He implored his audience to stand with Israel and the Jewish people against this “abomination of falsehoods,” framing the struggle as a moral imperative for all who value truth and justice. This appeal to shared values extended beyond mere political support, positioning the defense of Israel as a defense of the very principles underpinning the Judeo-Christian tradition.
While the Prime Minister focused on geopolitical concerns and the fight against disinformation, Sara Netanyahu shared a more personal perspective, reflecting on the challenges of public life and reaffirming her family’s deep-rooted faith and commitment to biblical scholarship. Pastor Paula White, in her address, reinforced the theological connection between Jews and Christians. She emphasized the foundational role of Judaism in Christianity, stating, “You can be a Jewish person without being a Christian. However, you cannot be a Christian without understanding the foundation from which you came. That’s Judaism.” This statement underscored the inherent interconnectedness of the two faiths, highlighting the historical and spiritual lineage that links them. White further emphasized the unique theological significance of Israel, describing it as the only land with which God made a covenant. This assertion, coupled with her warning against being “on the wrong side of God or the wrong side of history,” served to elevate support for Israel to a matter of divine mandate. White’s effusive praise for the Netanyahus, hailing them as “lions of Israel” destined to be remembered as the nation’s greatest leaders, provided a powerful endorsement from a prominent figure within the American evangelical community. The event concluded with the presentation of an award honoring the late Yechiel Eckstein, founder of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, for his tireless work in strengthening Christian-Israeli ties. His daughter, Yael Eckstein, accepted the award, symbolizing the continuation of her father’s legacy in fostering this crucial alliance.