In a recent report by FOX News correspondent Bryan Llenas, the backlash former President Donald Trump has received for his remarks about Hezbollah and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is discussed. The report highlights the shift in priorities among some evangelical voters in Iowa, who now consider support for Israel as their top priority for the upcoming Republican presidential caucus, which is less than three months away. This shift can be attributed to Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza, which has put pressure on Republican candidates to address the conflict and emphasize their support for Israel.
According to The Associated Press, which interviewed more than a dozen Iowa conservative activists, evangelical pastors, faith leaders, and caucus participants are closely examining candidates’ statements regarding the conflict. They are urging their congregations to keep these positions in mind when making their choices. Leading Republican candidates, including former President Trump, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, and Tim Scott, have already expressed their stance on the conflict and shared how they would respond if they were in the White House.
The evangelical support for Israel stems from beliefs rooted in Old Testament writings, which consider Jews as God’s chosen people and Israel as their rightful homeland. Additionally, some evangelicals view Israel as key to an end-times prophecy that will bring about the return of the Christian messiah.
In contrast, some GOP contenders have criticized President Biden for not being tough enough on Hamas or Iran, a financial supporter of the terrorist group. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley described the ongoing war as a battle between good and evil, emphasizing the need for a leader with moral clarity. Former President Trump, who remains popular among fervent Christian conservatives in Iowa, has highlighted his record of supporting Israel during his time in the White House.
However, Trump received criticism for his remarks about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his characterization of the Iran-backed terror group Hezbollah as “very smart” following the Hamas attack. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, who has invested heavily in Iowa, has often emphasized Israel’s importance by referencing biblical passages. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has also attempted to win the support of evangelical clergy in Iowa, addressing concerns about Trump’s criticism of Netanyahu.
The Israeli-Hamas war has also raised concerns about civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Some activists have called for the acceptance of refugees from Gaza, while others, including Haley, have urged regional countries to support the crisis. It is important to note that Haley did not call for bringing refugees from Gaza to the United States, but rather called on Arab countries to take responsibility.
The article also mentions concerns about potential Hamas sympathizers among Palestinians seeking to leave Gaza and the argument against accepting Gaza refugees in the United States. Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, a political newcomer in Iowa, has faced criticism from some pastors who question his conservative foreign policy stance.
In conclusion, evangelical voters in Iowa are prioritizing support for Israel in the upcoming Republican presidential caucus. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to a shift in priorities among these voters, who are closely examining candidates’ positions on the issue. Former President Trump, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, and Tim Scott are among the candidates who have expressed their support for Israel. However, there have been criticisms and discussions surrounding their remarks and policy stances regarding the conflict.
