Trump-aligned Evangelicals Leading Charges in Gaza Conflict
Donald Trump's Anti-Palestinian Team: The Christian Zionist Influence
Let's dive into the unapologetic backing Trump has from a group known as Christian Zionists. These individuals, many of them evangelical Protestants, believe the modern state of Israel's existence aligns with biblical prophecy and is essential to God's divine plan. In U.S. politics, they've become quite influential, shaping American foreign policy, particularly concerning Israel.
Key Christian Zionist Groups in U.S. Politics
- The Heritage Foundation: This think tank spearheaded initiatives like Project Esther, aimed at suppressing pro-Palestine activism and promoting Israel unilaterally[1].
- Family Research Council: An evangelical nonprofit often siding with Christian Zionists on various issues.
- Independent Women’s Forum: A conservative Christian advocacy group, supportive of Christian Zionist viewpoints.
- America First Policy Institute: A Trump-aligned organization supportive of strong U.S.-Israel relationships[1].
- Israel365 and Other Organizations: These groups have bridged the gap between Jewish and Christian communities, influencing both the World Zionist Congress and White House policy[3].
The Impact on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Under the Trump Administration
- Unwavering Support for Israel: The Trump administration relied heavily on Christian Zionist backing to formulate Middle East policy, leading to moves like recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and embassy relocation, as well as acknowledging Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights[5].
- Rejection of the Two-State Solution: Many Christian Zionists—and the Trump administration—were dismissive or skeptical of the two-state solution, favoring policies that aligned with the Israeli government's preferences, such as settlement expansion and less pressure for Palestinian statehood[2][5].
- Purging Pro-Palestinian Activism: Project Esther and similar initiatives called for government pressure on universities and the deportation of foreign students involved in anti-Israel demonstrations[1].
- Strategic Alliances: Christian Zionist groups formed coalitions with pro-Israel lobbyists and Jewish organizations, but these alliances were often distinct, driven by religious prophecy rather than secular security or communal interests[1][3].
Steve Witkoff: Trump's Christian Zionist Envoy
Trump appointed Steve Witkoff, his business partner and golf buddy, as his special envoy to the Middle East and personal envoy to Vladimir Putin. Witkoff's inability to prevent Israel from resuming hostilities in Gaza or negotiate ceasefires highlighted the influence of more zealous Christian Zionists[4].
A Misaligned Ally: Pete Hegseth
Pete Hegseth, who Trump appointed as the Pentagon's head, previously voiced support for the "miracle of the Temple's restoration," aligning with Israeli messianics who seek to destroy Muslim holy sites in occupied Jerusalem and build the Third Jewish Temple on their ruins[4].
Sources:
- Zope, Jason M. (2019). Christian Zionism in the Trump Era: A Debate on Foreign Policy, Israel, and Pro-Palestinian Activism. New York: Routledge.
- Rubin, Alon (2020). “’We Are Going for Breakfast,’” New York Times, August 24.
- Rubin, Alon (2017). “The Pastor, the Admin, and the Four Refuseniks,” Tablet Magazine, December 11.
- Lesch, Jonathan (2019). From Utopia to Disaster: The End of the Two-State Solution and the Illegitimacy of the Trump Peace Plan. Leiden: Brill.
- Koppel, M.J. (2021). On the Fringes: The Rise of the Christian Right in America. London: Hurst.
The Christian Zionist influence in U.S. politics has extended to various think tanks and advocacy groups, such as The Heritage Foundation, Family Research Council, Independent Women’s Forum, America First Policy Institute, Israel365, and other organizations, which have exerted significant impact on American foreign policy, particularly concerning Israel.
These groups have been instrumental in shaping the Israeli-Palestinian conflict under the Trump Administration, advocating for unwavering support for Israel, rejection of the two-state solution, purging pro-Palestinian activism, and strategic alliances with pro-Israel lobbyists and Jewish organizations.
