At the Faith and Freedom Coalition’s Road to Majority Conference, evangelicals reaffirmed their support for Israel amid a divided Republican Party regarding the level of support for the nation. Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, opinions among Democrats have varied, with some accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The GOP has also shown signs of division, with notable critics of Israel emerging, including former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and political commentator Candace Owens.
Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) emphasized the connection between antisemitism and anti-Americanism during a discussion with Ralph Reed, the founder of the Faith and Freedom Coalition. She gained attention for her inquiries into pro-Palestinian protests at Ivy League universities, which resulted in several university presidents resigning.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) quoted the Democratic Socialists of America platform, which advocates for a free Palestine and ending military aid to Israel, prompting a strong reaction from the audience. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced challenges, particularly regarding a memorandum of understanding with Iran, which includes stipulations about military actions in Lebanon.
Despite these tensions, conference attendees expressed a desire for Trump to maintain support for Israel. Jeff Ortiz, a board member of Iowa’s Faith and Freedom Coalition, voiced concerns about the U.S. role in global conflicts, stating the importance of backing Israel for its survival.
Polling data indicates a decline in U.S. support for Israel, particularly among younger Republicans, with a Pew Research Center survey revealing that 58% of Republicans view Israel favorably, while 41% do not. This shift comes amid frustrations over the ongoing Iran war and its implications for U.S. foreign policy.
Evangelicals at the conference cited the biblical connection between Judaism and Christianity as a key reason for their support of Israel. Many Republicans also highlighted Israel's strategic importance in the Middle East amidst ongoing negotiations with Iran. Recent U.S. military actions against Iranian targets were noted as part of the broader context of U.S.-Israel relations, despite some concerns about financial aid to Israel.