"Theology has become a weapon": The rift stirring Christians in the Holy Land
A CNN report reveals a growing rift between the Palestinian Christian community in the West Bank and evangelical Christians in the United States, who are accused of supporting settlements and ignoring the plight of the local Christian community.
The conflict in the Holy Land is not limited only to Jews and Muslims. A report by CNN reveals a growing and deepening rift between the Palestinian Christian community in the West Bank and evangelical Christians in the United States.
Father Munther Isaac from Bethlehem warns that the places where Jesus was born and acted are facing a bleak future, not only because of security tensions, but also due to the actions of their brothers in faith overseas, who provide extensive backing to Israel.
The broad movement of "Christian Zionism," which sees the modern State of Israel as the fulfillment of biblical prophecy, is sparking anger among local communities.
"Theology has become a weapon. These are Christians who fund and support the central threat to our existence in the land today - the settlements," claims Isaac.
Other Christian clergy, including Father Bashar Fawadleh from the town of Taybeh - the last entirely Christian settlement in the West Bank - argue that their existence is completely invisible to Americans.
The reality on the ground, according to the Palestinian interviewees, is unbearable. The population of Taybeh has shrunk to about 1,200 residents, and many have recently abandoned the town following harassment and violence by settlers in the area.
Despite this, American support continues in full force. Prominent evangelical organizations, such as "Christians United for Israel" (CUFI) and "Christian Friends of Israeli Communities" (CFOIC), see their support for the West Bank as a divine mandate intended to hasten the second coming of the Messiah and the end of the world.
On the American side, they refuse to be moved by the claims. Kimberly Troup, director of the American branch of CFOIC, rejected the accusations and explained to CNN that Palestinian Christians are leaving the Holy Land because of persecution by Muslims, and not because of Israel or the settlement enterprise.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who is himself a Baptist pastor, joined in pushing back against the criticism:
"Evangelicals believe in the Bible - all of it. We cannot choose only what fits our views. There is nothing 'racist' about believing God's promises to the Jews."
Despite the deep disagreements, Isaac draws encouragement from the younger generation in the US. A 2025 survey from the University of Maryland points to an interesting trend shift: while 51% of older evangelicals are more sympathetic to Israel, only 24% of young people hold a similar position.
In light of these data, Palestinian Christian leaders continue to tour the US with a simple and desperate call to American youth: "Come here and see for yourself."
