Christian Zionism Attracts GOP Presidential Hopefuls Amid Israel’s Political Turmoil

In the 2008 presidential race, Republican nominee John McCain found himself disavowing an endorsement from Pastor John Hagee of the Christians United for Israel (CUFI) organization following an antisemitic sermon. However, the political landscape in the run-up to the 2024 elections paints a different picture. CUFI and Hagee have been embraced by the GOP, a testament to the evolving stance of the party towards Christian Zionism.

This year’s CUFI annual summit in suburban Washington witnessed the attendance of several Republican presidential aspirants, such as Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, and ex-Vice President Mike Pence. All attendees pledged unwavering loyalty to Israel, taking a united stand in criticizing President Joe Biden’s perceived weaknesses.

Over the years, especially during Donald Trump’s presidency, the GOP has increasingly welcomed Christian Zionism into mainstream politics. The CUFI summit has now become a significant event for Republicans to showcase their support for Israel and conservative Christian values to the primarily white evangelical audience.

With Israel currently undergoing significant political shifts to the right, backing the Israeli government has become a crucial strategy for gaining the support of the white evangelical Republican base, many of whom see the state of Israel as fulfilling biblical prophecy.

Former President Donald Trump, a leading figure in the GOP, was not present at the summit this year. During his term, he had implemented policies popular among American Christian Zionists and Israeli religious-nationalists, such as moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and supporting Jewish settlements in occupied territories, which disappointed Palestinian statehood aspirations.

Other Republican contenders are also making efforts to position themselves as the Christian Zionist pick for 2024. Senator Tim Scott has been actively fighting against antisemitism, and Governor DeSantis, a frequent visitor to Jerusalem, has highlighted his role in relocating the U.S. embassy. Both Pence and Haley have longstanding ties with Hagee and have been regular attendees at CUFI events.

However, the GOP’s increasing acceptance of Christian Zionism is not without controversy. McCain faced backlash in 2008 over Hagee’s derogatory remarks about Catholics and the LGBTQ+ community. An audio clip of Hagee suggesting Hitler was a divine tool to return Jews to Israel was the final straw.

In recent times, Israel has witnessed widespread protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-leaning government, particularly its proposed judiciary reform. Critics warn this could lead to unchecked power and a slide towards authoritarianism. Despite this, most Republicans maintain staunch support for Netanyahu.

The CUFI summit took place in a politically charged climate, with President Biden hosting Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the White House during Israel’s 75th anniversary, and Netanyahu slated to meet Biden in the U.S. in the fall. However, progressive Democrats, including Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, have expressed their intention to boycott the summit, adding to the ongoing partisan discord over Israel.

The rising influence of CUFI and Christian Zionism has drawn criticism, particularly from Rabbi Jill Jacobs, CEO of T’ruah, a U.S.-based rabbinic human rights organization. According to her, CUFI’s support for a right-wing government and the occupation does not align with Israel’s long-term sustainability.

The growth of Christian Zionism is seen by some as a means to an end, a prerequisite for the second coming of the Christian messiah. This has been downplayed by CUFI, even though Hagee’s books focus on end-time prophecies. Despite this, some, like Josh Reinstein, president of the Israel Allies Foundation, remain undeterred, emphasizing the importance of unity among pro-Israel allies until the issue of the messiah’s return is addressed.

Reinstein’s organization works to strengthen relationships with pro-Israel politicians globally, many of whom are evangelicals. He argues that Christian outreach is a vital tool in Israel’s diplomatic arsenal and that Israel should reciprocate the loyalty of their “tried and true friends and allies.”

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More about Christian Zionism

• Christian Zionism
• Christians United for Israel
• Political Shifts in Israel
• 2024 United States presidential election
• Governor Ron DeSantis
• Former Vice President Mike Pence
• Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley
• Pastor John Hagee
• T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights