Yesterday we focused on the return of Israeli hostages, as we should have. How grateful I am that all 20 living hostages are now back on Israeli soil and with their families. Praise God for that.

However, I’m left with a bit of sour taste in my mouth toward political commentators who: 1. inappropriately bash Prime Minister Netanyahu (particularly on such a glorious occasion as the hostage release), and 2. lean heavily toward antisemitism, as a growing number of right-wing social media influencers do. Suddenly, the hostage release is tarnished by political bias, taking focus from what should be the most important thing of the day: the long-awaited return of hostages.

Let me explain:

Regarding the bashing of Netanyahu, because no trusted news sources were running video of President Trump’s arrival at the Knesset, I happened to catch a very well-known MAGA podcaster and his guests spend considerable time bashing Prime Minister Netanyahu and some Israel-supporting members of the Trump administration. First, this is no day to bash political figures…it is a day to celebrate the hostage release. Despite the commentary, PM Netanyahu and President Trump share a strong partnership between Israel and the US. Why denigrate that? Why second guess what Netanyahu has done? Why throw US officials in the Trump administration under the bus for standing for and supporting Israel? True, Israel has a severe political chasm, and Netanyahu has a huge job ahead of him to preserve his premiership and his legacy. But that should be an Israeli issue to sort through, not American podcasters who happen to lean anti-Netanyahu. Interestingly, while he was bashing Netanyahu and his relationship with Trump, our President broke protocol by inviting PM Netanyahu to travel with him in “the beast” (the presidential armored vehicle) to Jerusalem, then invited him to fly on AF1 to the peace talks in Egypt. (Netanyahu declined, due to the Israeli holiday, Simchat Torah.) So much for a “rift” between the two!

Regarding antisemitic comments, the podcaster, in talking about peace talks, seemed very intent that Israel should consider statehood for the Palestinians…even before discussion of what Hamas and the Palestinians need to do to function as civilized people groups. Furthermore, the comment, “They have brought it upon themselves,” was said of Israel and the difficult situation in which they continue to find themselves with regard to Gaza and the potential that Hamas could reconstitute and remain in charge. May I remind you that Hamas attacked Israel…Israel did not “bring it upon themselves.” He seems to point the finger at Israel as the hindrance to peace. Likewise, in support of a Palestinian state, the host cited “Christians in Palestine” who are adamantly opposed to Israel and the IDF. To that I say: God’s Word is very clear: those who seek to divide the land and scatter His people will meet severe judgment. (Joel 3:2) One cannot love what God hates and hate what God loves and call himself a Christian.

BTW, that popular ultra-MAGA podcaster: Steve Bannon. Add him to the growing list of conservatives spewing antisemitic rhetoric. Steer clear.

I’ve said it before and now I say it loudly: A chasm is forming within the conservative base in America, and it has to do with Israel. God’s Word is very clear: those who bless Israel will be blessed and those who curse Israel will be cursed. (Genesis 12:3) Beyond that, there is a stern warning for ALL nations, including the US, in Joel 3:2: Nations will be held accountable for how they treat Israel and the Jewish people. Individually and as a nation, we must stand on the appropriate side of that equation.

One other point of caution. Be wise when you hear of “lasting peace.” I love the fact President Trump is thinking outside the box in trying to bring peace to the Middle East and to the world. I believe we should pray for peace (as Scripture commands) and I’m proud that our American president is so committed to being a peacemaker. But here is the caution: God’s Word explicitly describes the last days as anything but peaceful. (Example: “…there will be wars and rumors of war…”) I love peace and we should strive for it, but as believers we must also know what Scripture tells us. As believers, we must not stand on the sidelines of complacency, but rather remain engaged in the battle for truth and righteousness.

Dear friends, please be wise. Not every conservative podcaster or media personality is square with Scripture. Get in God’s Word. Seek out what He has to say about Israel and our relationship to them. Then, speak out and take the stand we are commanded to take when it comes to Israel.

Here is a fantastic resource that addresses the issue of antisemitism within the conservative camp, including Christians. This is a critical issue. Please take time to watch it: