Christians Urge Trump to Facilitate Israel's West Bank Annexation

Evangelical Christian leaders, pivotal in President Trump's electoral success, are now advocating for a formal declaration allowing Israel to annex the West Bank. This push stems from a belief in Biblical promises to the Jewish people regarding the land. The territory, seized from Jordan during the 1967 war, has been a point of contention, perceived internationally as belonging to a proposed Palestinian state. In support of their cause, notable evangelicals have been active in lobbying, demonstrating their commitment through public appearances and congressional advocacy. Their efforts signify a stronger alignment between Christian Zionism and U.S. foreign policy toward Israel.

Evangelical leaders have taken a strong stance in Washington, requesting President Trump to recognize Israel's ownership of the West Bank, arguing it aligns with divine principles realized in the Bible. This strategy is supported by their growing influence in American politics, leveraging their voter base of approximately 80% white evangelical Christians who backed Trump in the previous elections. They see the annexation as a route to solidify Israel's claim to the region, amid ongoing settlements promoted by Prime Minister Netanyahu's right-wing government.

Recent visits to Israel by key evangelical figures like Ralph Reed, Tony Perkins, and Mario Bramnick underscore their determination to advocate for this cause. During a public rally in Jerusalem, which coincided with increasing stability talks in the region, Bramnick expressed confidence in divine support for Israel, stating it has been granted a "blank check." Such sentiments reflect the intertwining of evangelical beliefs with geopolitical ambitions, highlighting the significant role of faith in influencing U.S. policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.