There is a very concerning trend bubbling up among American conservatives, and it has to do with Israel. Keep in mind, not every conservative is a follower of Jesus Christ, but for those of us who are, the God of the Bible makes it clear that we should pray for Israel, support Israel and stand with Israel. True, we may not always agree with Israel or their leadership, but in terms of Israel’s God-ordained calling and place in this world, we must stand on the Biblical side in support of Israel and her existence.

My intent here is not to knock conservative commentators who have done so much to promote strong, Christian values in America. In fact, some have been more outspoken on spiritual issues such as life, the distinctions between men and women, and religious freedom than most pastors have. So, let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water.

At the same time, disappointment arises when some very well-known conservative influencers take a weak (or opposing) stance on Israel. I’m not advocating total agreement with everything Israel does, but rather a Biblically-mandated stance when it comes to Israel’s right to exist and our admonition to stand with Israel. Over the past couple years, folks like Candace Owens have wandered into flat out Antisemitism, while others have voiced anti-Israel ideas that are concerning. Free speech allows them to say such things, but Biblical mandate demands loving what God loves and hating what God hates.

Case in point is a recent podcast featuring Tucker Carlson and Matt Walsh, two social media darlings on the conservative side. Yet, both have hinted at anti-Israel ideas, and hinting became overt statements in their discussion on that podcast. Meanwhile, Real Life Network’s Israel reporter, Daniel Cohen, called them out in a short RLN piece just a day or two ago. If you are not subscribed to Real Life Network (a ministry originating through Calvary Chapel Chino Hills), it is worth subscribing. It is free and there are no ads.

As you clearly hear in that interview, Matt Walsh very specifically stated that Israel should not exist if they cannot survive without support from America. Tucker Carlson went on to state that Israel is “propped up” by the US. Later, he lamented that Israel is dividing Trump’s voter base. To which Walsh asked, “Why are we being divided over that?”

I agree with Daniel Cohen’s response: “They don’t get it!” Watch the clip to hear his full response.

That’s a shame. However, it doesn’t end there. Charlie Kirk, who conservatives love and adore, dropped a podcast on Thursday entitled Why America Must Not Bomb Iran. With all humility, I concerned with this statement by Charlie:

If we were to strike Iran, or if we were to support Israel to strike Iran, it is very tempting to view this like it is just a game of Risk. Lots of things we should not risk America to stop. For me, this is a hard and fast red line.

To be crystal clear, I’m not a fan of America directly striking Iran and I do not favor American boots on the ground in Iran. I agree with Charlie’s opinion that America was involved needlessly in wars with Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya. I am generally opposed to war and believe entrance into one on whatever level must be very prayerfully considered and wisely guided. I am far from a neo-con, defined by Charlie as “using force to bring conservative values to the rest of the world.” Action in Iran has nothing to do with trying to force conservative values on Iran and everything to do with God’s plan for Israel and the nations.

So, here are some comments to some of Charlie’s points:

• Charlie seems to deny that Iran is close to a nuclear bomb because intel agencies have been warning of that for years, yet Iran doesn’t have one. That is because Israel has covertly set Iran’s nuclear program back in various ways. Iran would almost assuredly have nuclear weapons right now if not for actions Israel has taken.
• Charlie says America cannot afford a war with Iran. Agree…and neither can we afford to send hundreds of billions to Ukraine for a war they have no chance of winning. We are not allies of Ukraine, but Israel is one of our greatest allies. Who, BTW, provides unquantified military (and other) technology to the US in exchange for weapons they purchase from America? Israel has not and should not get a blank check from America. We should simply remove the handcuffs to allow Israel to do what they need to do, with our support of weaponry (which I believe they already have under agreements), and services such as aerial re-fueling.
• Charlie indicates Iran is “our fault” because we displaced the shah. I agree…that was a mistake on America’s part. But not a license to sit back and say, “Dog gone…missed that one! Too bad for all you Persian people!” They need help overthrowing an evil regime we helped put in power. So, keep pressuring with sanctions, etc, but also free them from the maniacal quest of nuclear weapons. The regime cares more for their weapons than they do their people. Allow Israel to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities.
• Charlie questions whether Iran with a nuke is a threat to America. After all, Pakistan, India and others have nukes and they are not a threat. Yes, but those countries don’t shout “Death to Israel, Death to America” day-after-day, nor do they identify Israel as the “little Satan” and America the “great Satan.” For decades, the Iranian regime has vowed to wipe Israel off the map…and they mean it. Who do you think they are coming for after that?
• Charlie asks if a war with Iran is worth it. First, I don’t want to see America in a war with Iran. I want to see Israel free to do what they choose to do, given the existential threat Iran with nuclear bombs poses to Israel. Because Israel took out major air defense systems in Iran within the past several months, this season of time is the most opportune time to strike without greater potential of casualties.
• Charlie would be “more open to someone striking Iran if they can tell me how their government works.” I believe Charlie misses the mark here. It matters not how their government works because the battle being waged is a SPIRITUAL one, not a geopolitical one! They actually believe Allah has given them a specific calling to destroy the infidels to make way for the Islamic messiah. Ezekiel 38 clearly identifies Iran as a nation desiring to invade and destroy Israel. Ultimately, it will happen just as God’s Word says it will. But that doesn’t mean we lie down as believers and say, “Oh well, it’s all a lost cause anyway.” Certainly not! Several times in Scripture God delayed or suspended His wrath due to the faithfulness of godly people. As believers, we should say, “Not on our watch!” You cannot defeat false religion with geopolitical gamesmanship. We fight the battle spiritually by praying as God commands (Psalm 122, Isaiah 62, for example) and pleading for a great awakening in Iran. It is happening! Check out this example.
• Charlie is also correct in saying we must not get sucked into the quagmire. We need wisdom, a steady hand and God’s guidance. We must be wise as serpents. America doesn’t need war unless/until God directs it. Ecclesiastes 3:8: “There is a time for peace and a time for war.” But let’s not go there short of God’s guidance.

Let’s wrap up with three key points:

1. Iranians are master negotiators and very proficient at dragging things out until the tables turn their way. They will try to outlast Donald Trump, knowing their chances increase once he’s gone (or at least loses one chamber of Congress). Allowing Israel to take care of business while the Trump administration is at its strongest is a thought worth considering.
2. No one wants war with the people of Iran. Iranians are smart, talented and gifted, and most do not like living under the evil regime. Many now identify themselves as Persians…not Iranians! As noted earlier, a great awakening is happening in Iran and we want to help the Iranian people in their quest for freedom. It’s a spiritual battle, so let’s help the people overthrow their evil regime and become free of Islamic tyranny.
3. Let’s totally take the handcuffs off Israel to allow them to do what they need to do in Iran, and give Israel the support they need. Israel is in Iran’s immediate crosshairs, so let them call the shots. Meanwhile, maximum financial and geopolitical pressure from the Trump administration should increase in intensity. Finally, the spiritual battle must be waged and won for the hearts and souls of the Iranian people!

As Hormoz Shariat wisely stated, the Iranian regime is pressing toward Ezekiel 38 while the Iranian people are pressing toward Jeremiah 49!

It’s no secret which side of the conservative scale I stand. However, we need dialog and understanding, particularly in Christian circles. Our mandate is not a geopolitical one, but a spiritual one. We must stand on the side of Scripture.

#CharlieKirk, if you’re listening, it would be an incredibly interesting podcast to host Amir Tsarfati, a Messianic Jew who is an Israeli voice of Biblical reason. Your mutual friend, Pastor Jack Hibbs, can easily connect you! That’s a podcast many of us would love to hear!