Benjamin Netanyahu met with Evangelical Christian leaders in Florida and warned of an "eighth front": an ideological campaign for the hearts and minds of Western — especially American — youth. He framed the struggle as part of a shared Judeo‑Christian civilizational defense and urged faith communities to speak out and confront terrorism. Netanyahu reiterated historic ties with Christian Zionists, named Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood as key threats, and proposed international cooperation to protect vulnerable Christian communities.
Netanyahu Warns Of an 'Eighth Front' — An Ideological Battle For American Hearts And Minds
Pro-Palestinian Muslim protesters hold a banner saying "From the river to the sea.." and chant at a demonstration calling for an end to Israeli attacks on Gaza. London, UK, Dec. 9, 2023.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a delegation of Evangelical Christian leaders in Florida, urging faith-based allies in the United States to help counter what he called a new ideological threat to Western societies. The meeting followed Netanyahu’s visit to Mar‑a‑Lago, where he met President Donald Trump amid growing domestic debate over the scope of U.S. support for Israel and the country’s conduct in the war.
Netanyahu Frames New Challenge As An 'Eighth Front'
Speaking to the group, Netanyahu said Israel had emerged, in many respects, "victorious" from what he described as a "seven-front war," but warned that a different kind of struggle is now unfolding: an "eighth front" for the hearts and minds of people — especially young people in the West and in the United States.
"There’s an eighth front... for the hearts and minds of people, especially young people in the West, and for me especially in the United States," he said. "It’s our common Judeo-Christian civilization’s battle."
Faith, Terrorism, And Ideology
Netanyahu argued that this ideological front demands as much resolve as military action. He criticized those who would keep faith silent or seek to explain rather than confront terrorism: "Faith should speak its voice and terrorism should be confronted, not understood, confronted and defeated," he said.
He repeatedly praised the historical and ideological ties between Christian Zionists and the state of Israel, telling attendees they represented "the Christian Zionists who made Jewish Zionism possible" and adding, "I can say that we have no better friends."
People hold an Israeli and US flag in front of a large group of anti-Israel protesters march outside The Grove shopping center on Black Friday, carrying a giant banner reading "Shut it Down for Palestine" in Los Angeles, Nov. 24, 2023.
Perceived Threats And International Cooperation
Netanyahu told the group he had spoken with President Trump the previous day and outlined what he sees as global threats to Israel and its partners. He identified "two forces," referring to "radical Shiite Islam," which he associated with Iran, and "radical Sunni Islam," which he attributed to the Muslim Brotherhood.
He also pointed to what he described as persecution of Christians in several countries — "in Syria, in Lebanon, in Nigeria, in Turkey, and beyond" — and argued that Israel plays a unique protective role for Christian communities. "One country protects the Christian community, enables it to grow, defends it, and makes sure that it thrives," he said. "That country is Israel. There is no other. None."
Netanyahu said Israel is pursuing broader cooperation to assist threatened Christian communities worldwide, describing plans to "join an effort to have basically a United Nations of countries that support Christian communities around the world," and promising reciprocal support: "Just as you are helping us, we want to help back."
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, who attended the meeting, later wrote on X that the Evangelical leaders’ commitment to Israel was "inspiring" and said shared values would "fortify the bond between both our nations." The visit comes as U.S. public debate continues over American policy in the Middle East and the extent of support for Israel.
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