Did you happen to see any or all of the 250th US Army anniversary parade in DC? Wow, what a patriotic event. Though many criticized it as being too expensive and/or too grandiose, it may well have been the greatest military recruitment campaign ever! And what American doesn’t enjoy the pride of the US military on display in a non-threatening way? Kudos to those who put it together!

That segways into today’s topic: America’s involvement with Israel in the Middle East. Even before Israel struck Iran in one of history’s all-time greatest strikes, the left was up-in-arms about Israel’s aggression and America’s part in the action against Iran. Even some well-known conservative MAGA supporters have come out against any American support of Israel.

As indicated many times previously, it is not my position that America should engage Iran (or anyone else in the Middle East) unless perhaps American bases or other interests are fired upon. I am not for war.

However, not only is Israel one of America’s most important allies, but biblically we are commanded to stand with Israel. No, we don’t have to agree with everything Israelis say or do, but by God’s mandate to us, we must bless them. (Genesis 12:3, among others)

Over the past year or more, alarm bells were sounded regarding shades of antisemitism from big name American conservatives. (Here, here, here and here) Now, Tucker Carlson is at it again.

In a recent Mediaite article, Carlson again went out on a limb suggesting Trump betrayed “America First” by supporting Israel’s military strikes in Iran. America has taken no action in Iran but has stood by Israel defensively to shoot down incoming rockets from Iran. He goes on to say that funding and providing weapons to Israel over the years places America at the center of Israel’s attacks on Iran.

That is very similar to the lame argument the left makes regarding gun control in America. (ie – if we simply don’t allow guns, there would be no shootings.) However, the argument, particularly as it applies to America’s provision of weapons to Israel, is flawed:

• US-Israeli weapon contracts have gone on for years. It is common practice among allies. But beyond that, the partnership between America and Israel is unique, in that, when the US grants military aid to Israel, they turn right around and spend it on American-made equipment and munitions! It creates jobs in America and strengthens the military partnership with Israel.
• Cutting edge Israeli military ingenuity and innovation is shared with America. Thus, we collaborate to gain and maintain technological superiority, which helps America remain the world’s foremost superpower. For example, the helmets worn by American and Israeli fighter pilots were designed, developed and perfected by Israeli companies. America gets “bang for the buck” in terms of new capabilities not available to the rest of the world.
• Few seem to understand that the war between Israel and Iran is a spiritual one, not a geopolitical one. It really has nothing to do with “America First,” but rather with “those who bless Israel will be blessed.”

Tucker Carlson is not the only far-right, MAGA-maniac to encroach on antisemitism. Yet, he and Candice Owens have, in my opinion, pierced the boundaries and are consistent in antisemitic rhetoric and America’s stand with Israel. (Steve Bannon has approached it as well.) Real Life Network (RLN) says this:

As the Iranian regime fires ballistic missiles into Israel, killing and injuring, including a six-day-old baby pulled frum the rubble, false teachers like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens condemn Israel’s right to defend itself. RLN’s Daniel Cohen exposes the unbiblical pacifist agenda that would leave God’s covenant people vulnerable to terror. The Lion of Judah isn’t a peace sign-waving hippie; he’s a warrior king who commands real battles against real enemies threatening his people.

Check out Cohen’s full RLN report, The Lion of Judah is No Peace Sign Throwing Hippie. (Subscribing to RLN is free and not only provides Bible-based updates from Israel, but a full array of family-friendly programming…all for free!)

Thus, my plea to be careful about who you follow and how their narrative regarding Israel aligns with Scripture. Keep in mind that disagreement with Israel does not constitute antisemitism. Think whatever you want about their leadership, decisions, and ways of doing things. But God’s Word commands that we bless them, pray for them, and stand with them. “America First” is a great slogan, but if it cuts off blessing Israel, we have missed the mark.

Finally, antisemitism is often very subtle. Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing, both inside the church and out! Use God’s Word as your guide. If something doesn’t line up with God’s Word, then it is not of the Lord!