What is Christian Zionism, the pro-Israel ideology invoked by US ambassador
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has sparked controversy after invoking Christian Zionism—a pro-Israel ideology rooted in Protestant evangelical beliefs—in suggesting that Israel has a biblical right to land stretching from the Euphrates River to the Nile. This belief, shared by Christian Zionists, posits that God promised the land of Israel to the Jewish people and supports their political dominance in the region. Huckabee later walked back his comments, calling them "somewhat hyperbolic," but experts argue this aligns with core tenets of Christian Zionism.
Christian Zionism emerged in 1878 with William Blackstone's influential book *Jesus Is Coming*, which popularized the idea that God's covenant with Israel is eternal and unconditional. The ideology draws from biblical passages like Genesis 12:3, interpreted to mean that those who bless Israel are blessed by God, while those who curse it face divine judgment. This belief system also ties the end times and the second coming of Christ to events in the Middle East.
The movement has evolved into a broader pro-Israel stance, blending religious conviction with strategic support for Israel's expansion. Christian Zionists argue that supporting Israel is not just a matter of faith but aligns with American military, economic, and political interests. Critics, however, accuse the ideology of ignoring Palestinian suffering and advocating for unconditional backing of Israeli policies.
The controversy over Huckabee's remarks highlights how Christian Zionist beliefs can influence US foreign policy and fuel tensions in the Middle East. While many Christians support Israel for religious reasons, critics argue that conflating scripture with modern politics risks exacerbating conflicts and undermining peace efforts in the region. The debate underscores the complex interplay between religion, ideology, and geopolitics in shaping international relations.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026