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Mike Johnson: U.S.–Israel Alliance 'Strategically Vital,' Antisemitism Must Be 'Universally Rejected'

06:53 AM, 11/27/2025
Mike Johnson: U.S.–Israel Alliance 'Strategically Vital,' Antisemitism Must Be 'Universally Rejected'

House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the U.S.–Israel alliance as strategically important for Middle East stability and called for a universal rejection of antisemitism. Speaking on "The Katie Miller Podcast," he said support for Israel can be rooted in biblical beliefs but also stands on clear geopolitical grounds. His remarks come as some House Republicans, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie, challenge the party’s traditional pro-Israel posture. Johnson urged unity in condemning antisemitism while reaffirming the strategic value of the partnership.

House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the U.S.–Israel relationship as strategically essential for stability in the Middle East and urged a firm, bipartisan rejection of antisemitism.

Speaking on "The Katie Miller Podcast," Johnson said he wished "everybody would acknowledge the importance of that relationship," noting that many Americans base their support on "scripturally based, biblical reasons." He added that even leaving religious motives aside, the alliance has clear geopolitical value.

"But even if you don't accept that, you have to look at this objectively and say it's really important to have that ally and partner in that corner of the world, and it's the only stable democracy in the Middle East. It's a tinderbox," Johnson told host Katie Miller.

Johnson also stressed that antisemitism should be "universally rejected and called out," saying, "We got to love everybody and certainly the Jewish people." He framed the U.S.–Israel friendship as defensible on multiple grounds — religious, moral and strategic — and urged Republicans to speak with one clear voice against hate.

GOP divisions on Israel

The comments come amid rising debate within the House Republican Conference. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who has announced she will resign from Congress in January 2026, has criticized U.S. policy toward Israel and pushed for cuts to military aid. Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has long opposed U.S. military assistance to Israel and has criticized the influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups such as AIPAC on American foreign policy.

Johnson's remarks aim to reassert a bipartisan rationale for the alliance while urging Republicans to uniformly condemn antisemitism as divisions over support for Israel continue to widen within the party.

Why it matters: Johnson’s position highlights the intersection of strategic foreign-policy considerations and domestic concerns about rising hate incidents, underscoring pressure on party leaders to clarify their stance on both international security and tolerance at home.

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