As Alliance for the Peace of Jerusalem, we believe it is important to recognize that support for Israel does not necessarily require backing its political leadership, as is true for any nation. It is possible to support Israel while disagreeing with the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, or any of its past and future prime ministers and political parties.
Even Israelis who love their country sometimes diverge from the views and actions of its leadership. According to a recent poll in Israel, Netanyahu’s approval rating among Israelis has plummeted: 69 percent believe Netanyahu should resign,1 and hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets to protest his decisions regarding the current war with Hamas.2 These figures underscore the rejection of the prime minister by a significant portion of the Israeli electorate, yet the numbers don’t negate Israelis’ patriotism for their country.
One prominent example of ongoing support for Israel while not endorsing certain policies and current Israeli leadership is US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a self-described “lifelong supporter of Israel.”3 Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the United States, has been vocal in his criticism of Netanyahu, going so far as to call for new elections in Israel. He stated that the current governing coalition “no longer fits the needs of Israel.”4 Yet, Schumer has also been adamant about his enduring support for the United States’ relationship with Israel, emphasizing that his disagreement is with the current prime minister and not with the country he leads.
This distinction is crucial. Constructive criticism and open dialogue serve to strengthen democracy. Israel has long been home to a wide range of views on matters of security, diplomacy, and domestic policy. The diversity of political perspectives within Israel itself is a testament to the vibrancy of its democracy.
Ultimately, one’s support for Israel should be grounded in a deep appreciation for its history, its democratic values, its strategic importance in a volatile region, and—most importantly—a biblical worldview that affirms God’s unconditional covenant with the people of Israel (Psalm 105:8–11; Galatians 3:17–18; Romans 9:4). We believe the God of Israel has made an eternal covenant with Jewish people, which includes the land of Israel as an everlasting possession. God has promised He would protect His people as a nation before Him forever, as long as the sun, moon, and stars remain in the sky (Jeremiah 31:35–37).
We look forward to the future day of Israel’s salvation when Messiah returns to the land promised to Jewish people, who will gloriously recognize their redeemer (Zechariah 12:9–10; Romans 11:26; Matthew 23:39). But until that day, may we prepare for His coming by praying for the peace of Jerusalem and by proclaiming the good news among Jewish and Gentile people alike (Psalm 122:6; 2 Peter 3:12).
by Jennifer Miles
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1 “Poll: 69% think Netanyahu shouldn’t run in next election, Bennet favored for PM,” The Times of Israel, August 31, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/poll-69-think-netanyahu-shouldnt-run-in-next-election-bennett-favored-for-pm/.
2 Noam Lehmann and Gianluca Pacchiani, “Masses protest across Israel in flood of grief, anger after Hamas executes 6 hostages,” The Times of Israel, September 2, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/masses-protest-across-israel-in-flood-of-grief-anger-after-hamas-executes-6-hostages/.
3 “US Senate Majority leader Schumer refused to shake Netanyahu’s hand during speech due to ‘serious disagreements,’ he says,” All Israel News, July 29, 2024, https://allisrael.com/us-senate-majority-leader-schumer-refused-to-shake-netanyahus-hand-during-speech-due-to-serious-disagreements-he-says.
4 Ibid.
