U.S. Conservatives' Support for Israel Wavers: Understanding the Shift

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke remotely during the 2018 Christians United for Israel summit, a time when backing from the American right, particularly among young conservatives, was notably stronger. Recent surveys indicate a noticeable decline in this support.

States historically backing Israel, often referred to as 'red states' in America, have been symbolic of this alliance, as noted by Jackson Lahmeyer, an evangelical pastor and founder of Pastors for Trump based in Oklahoma.

Lahmeyer explains that U.S. evangelical Christians have predominantly championed the cause of Israel and supported Jewish communities. This allegiance is firmly anchored in their faith.

However, Lahmeyer has noticed a gradual evolution in the dialogue surrounding Israel, mainly driven by discussions on digital platforms.

Some opinion leaders, whom Lahmeyer respects, have sparked debate with their controversial perspectives on Israel. Figures such as Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and Marjorie Taylor Greene have voiced opinions that stir the pot.

For instance, Carlson recently engaged with Nick Fuentes, a well-known white nationalist, on his show. While Carlson distanced himself from Fuentes' more extreme anti-Semitic remarks, he shared the viewpoint that America's loyalty to Israel warranted scrutiny.

Carlson expressed the importance of questioning the U.S.-Israel relationship, casting doubt on its benefits and expressing agreement with broader concerns about this international alliance.

Although right-wing skepticism towards Israel isn't a brand-new phenomenon, it's gaining traction among younger conservatives. Surveys illustrate an increasing wariness within the under-50 demographic.

The potential repercussions for Israel are significant. Should doubt among influential conservatives extend to policymakers, the extensive support Israel has enjoyed could face serious challenges.

For over a decade, Christian conservatives have formed the core of American political support for Israel, explains historian Daniel Hummel from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. With diminished support from the left due to conflicts like that in Gaza, this backing is indispensable.

Historical and Religious Underpinnings

Evangelical support for Israel is deeply rooted in their religious teachings. Many adhere to the notion that divine promises from the Old Testament to the Jewish people remain valid, as Lahmeyer points out.

Lahmeyer reflects on the covenant between God and the Jewish people, highlighting the eternal nature of this promise as a guiding principle for evangelical support.

Additionally, some evangelicals believe the return of Jews to Israel is a prerequisite for the second coming of Christ, enhancing their commitment.

Over the years, from Billy Graham's visits to Israel to the establishment and influence of Christian coalitions, support for Israel has been intermittently intensifying.

Post-9/11, evangelical backing saw a spike, particularly through the efforts of Christians United For Israel (CUFI), an influential lobbying force, which has been a crucial advocate for pro-Israel policies, including settlement expansion in disputed territories.

The prominence of Christian Zionists, propelled by their theological convictions, has fortified American support for Israel, even as skepticism rises from other quarters.

Rifts from the Gaza Conflict

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has made some evangelicals reconsider their stance. Lahmeyer observes a growing disenchantment among them.

Polling data analyzed by Shibley Telhami, a scholar in public opinion at the University of Maryland, supports this observation, showing a stark decrease in pro-Israel sentiment among younger conservatives.

Remarkably, only a fraction of evangelicals aged 18-34 now align with Israeli policy over a Palestinian viewpoint, showcasing a generational shift.

Conservative figures who've traditionally criticized Israel, like Owens and Bannon, now feel more licensed to express their views.

Curt Mills, from the American Conservative Magazine, notes that Carlson and Bannon are both ideologically driven and shrewd media figures aiming to capture an increasingly disaffected audience.

Rising Antisemitism and Isolationism

Frustration with foreign conflicts and a preference for American isolationism have stirred antisemitic rhetoric in some quarters.

Opinions, like those expressed by Owens regarding perceived Jewish control over media narratives, echo longstanding prejudices and feed into antisemitic conspiracy theories.

On Carlson’s platform, Fuentes capitalizes on such themes to promote divisive ideas about Jewish influence over American cohesion.

Hummel indicates these sentiments are interwoven with theological disagreements, particularly among those outside the evangelical tradition, such as some Catholics and Protestant denominations.

Telhami suggests that while it's uncertain how these shifts in public opinion might alter policy, the unwavering support for Israel within the political right is no longer guaranteed.