Why Evangelical Christians Love Israel | VICE on HBO
VICE News
12 min, 29 sec
The video explores the profound impact of American Evangelical Christians on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the political landscape in the Middle East.
Summary
- The video explains the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the international support for a two-state solution which remains unachieved.
- American Evangelicals, who outnumber the Jewish population, form the largest pro-Israeli lobby in the US, significantly influencing foreign aid and political support.
- The video investigates why Evangelicals are fervent Zionists, linked to biblical prophecies and the anticipation of the end times and the second coming of Christ.
- Funding from Evangelicals frequently goes to Jewish settlements in Palestinian territories, which complicates the peace process and affects Palestinian lives.
- The political power of American Evangelicals is used to oppose peace plans like the two-state solution and could be contributing to escalating tensions in the region.
Chapter 1

The video opens by providing context about the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the global consensus on a two-state solution.
- The conflict has been central to Middle Eastern instability since Israel's establishment in 1948.
- Despite international support for a two-state solution, a final settlement remains elusive.
- America's unwavering support for Israel is highlighted, including significant foreign aid, partly due to a powerful pro-Israeli lobby.

Chapter 2

The video delves into the reasons behind the American Evangelical Christians' strong support for Israel.
- American Evangelicals from the Bible Belt are the core of the pro-Israeli lobby's power base, not the Jewish community as often presumed.
- Evangelical support is rooted in biblical prophecies and the belief that Israel's establishment is a prerequisite for the second coming of Christ.

Chapter 3

The video examines the Christian Zionist movement and its significant political and financial influence on Israeli policies.
- Pastor John Hagee's Christians United for Israel (CUFI) is a major pro-Israel lobbying group, even larger than AIPAC.
- Christian Zionist funds often support Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories, which are considered illegal under international law.
- American Christian tourists are a significant source of support for Israeli settlements, visiting and donating to the cause during organized tours.

Chapter 4

The video explores how biblical prophecies of the end times fuel Evangelical tourism and support for Israel.
- The Evangelicals' fervent Zionism is linked to their belief in the Battle of Armageddon, which they believe will take place in Israel.
- Evangelical tours in Israel focus on sites associated with the apocalypse, including the contested city of Jerusalem.
- The support for Israel is also motivated by the belief that Jewish control of Israel will hasten the second coming of Christ.

Chapter 5

The video highlights the repercussions of Evangelical support for Israel on the peace process and Palestinian lives.
- Christian support for Israeli settlements opposes the US government's official policy and complicates peace negotiations.
- Palestinians, including Christians, are adversely affected by the expansion of Israeli settlements, resulting in loss of land and increased tensions.
- Evangelical actions, based on their interpretation of the Bible, may unintentionally exacerbate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and undermine peace efforts.

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