Evangelisation and the American Right's Allies in Israel

https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Msgr.-Shomali:-anti-evangelisation-law-in-the-Knesset-violates-'freedom-of-conscience'.-58028.html

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who is a centrist when compared to his coalition partners, understands the critical need for US Evangelical support and while he undoubtedly views his American backers as useful idiots and does not want to see their brand of Christianity flourish in his country, he doesn't want to unnecessarily antagonize them – and thus has (since this initial writing) made moves to counter this legislation which would block their missionary work. Besides given the near uprising over his proposed reform of the judiciary, he's got much bigger problems and needs his American backers at a time like this.

Missionaries have long reported that Israel is a difficult mission field – indeed one of the most difficult. There are legal difficulties and little interest in the message of the gospel. I'm sure Netanyahu realizes the Zionist state doesn't need such a law. It would be better to retain the status quo and keep the American political support, the checks, and the tourists coming.

But the proposed legislation does indicate the nature of the Right-wing coalition and sheds some light on the growing tensions within the country and the fact that even many Right-wing Israelis are opposing this government, its attempt to hijack the judiciary, and with it the fear of dictatorship – led by people that are already speaking (and acting) in violent terms.

The great irony is that while the Israeli factions are fighting, the Palestinians are being pushed to the breaking point – and this has been exacerbated by this new government, its posture, and the actions of its allies. People are speaking of an Israeli civil war but what's really looming on the horizon is another Palestinian intifada. And depending on how ugly such an episode gets – it runs the risk of harming the spate of diplomatic overtures and working relationships with the other Middle Eastern powers. The Gulf Arab states can quietly maintain a relationship with Israel and pursue peace with Iran. But if the West Bank and Gaza are on fire, it will be hard for these nations to stay out of it and given Iran's interests in the Levant differ from those of Riyadh – the peace deal could falter. I can certainly think of some elements within both Israel and the United States that would like to see that happen. Additionally, an intifada would once more secure Netanyahu's standing and detract from his endless and myriad legal and political troubles. It's cynical to suggest but when it comes to Netanyahu – anything is possible. He is the consummate politician that is unrivaled in Israeli history, a Machiavellian master that has no scruples and will lie, cheat, and kill if it enables him to retain power.

I suppose one should think it strange that American Christians are so taken with this man – but given the advanced state of apostasy in American Christianity and the fact that even though it beggars belief – these are the people who have backed Trump. As such, their continued support for a man such as Netanyahu is not surprising and given that most Evangelicals are influenced by Dispensational theology, one is forced to reflect on the geopolitical ramifications and ethical results of that erroneous and Scripture-twisting creed.