Global Evangelical organization praises Netanyahu as ‘visionary statesman’ who turned Israel into ‘high-tech marvel’ and showed ‘special regard’ – ‘unparalleled among Israeli leaders’ – for the ‘pro-Israel Christian community’

JERUSALEM – Pro-Israel Evangelicals are congratulating and even embracing the new government formed by new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister (and Alternate Prime Minister) Yair Lapid.

But the hearts of many remain with outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Today, the president of the leading Christian Zionist organization based in Israel sent a letter to Netanyahu, praising his “visionary” and “principled” leadership.

Dr. Jürgen Bühler, president of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), told Netanyahu that his “bold and articulate defence of Israel and the ideals of Zionism, and of our shared democratic rights and freedoms, will always be held in high regard by Christians worldwide.”

The ICEJ represents Christian Zionists from 120 nations around the world. 

In additional to assisting Jewish families making aliyah to Israel and combatting anti-Semitism around the globe, the ICEJ also hosts the annual “Feast of Tabernacles” conference every September in which some 6,000 Evangelical Christians come the Israeli capital to worship, study the Bible, pray for the peace of Jerusalem, tour, and receive briefings on the latest events and trends in the Land and the region.

Here is the full text of the letter:

Monday, 14 June 2021

The Honourable Benjamin Netanyahu
Former Prime Minister of Israel

Dear Mr. Netanyahu,

On behalf of the leadership and global following of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, allow me to extend our best wishes as you take up new challenges as leader of the Opposition in Israel. This certainly was not your desired outcome from the recent elections, but we would be remiss if we did not take this moment to pay tribute to you for the many accomplishments you have achieved for your nation as well as for the special regard you have always had for the pro-Israel Christian community, which is unparalleled among Israeli leaders.

There can be no doubt that Evangelical Christians around the world greatly respect and admire your leadership not only as Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, but also as a generational statesman for Western democracy. Your bold and articulate defence of Israel and the ideals of Zionism, and of our shared democratic rights and freedoms, will always be held in high regard by Christians worldwide.

From the start of your public career as a gifted young Israeli diplomat at the United Nations, you have always stood out as an exceptionally eloquent and principled leader who is highly competent in geo-strategic and economic affairs. You always made sure the nation’s defences were strong and stood vigil for those truly seeking peace with Israel, rather than relying on false hopes. You also oversaw the transformation of Israel into a hi-tech marvel by championing privatisation, free markets and Israel’s innovative spirit.
Your legacy as an outstanding Israeli leader is still being written, but you already stand on rarefied grounds as a visionary and statesman.
Our warmest greetings to you and your family!

Respectfully yours,

Dr. Jürgen Bühler
President
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem