Pompeo praises Netanyahu, but tells Evangelicals that new Israeli PM Naftali Bennett will do a good job protecting Israeli security
Speaking at National Religious Broadcasters convention, former Secretary of State tells ALL ISRAEL NEWS Founder Joel Rosenberg that Christians should pray for new Israeli prime minister
DALLAS—Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had much praise to offer for the new Israeli prime minister, but noted the enormous challenge he faces with a fragile coalition and a one-seat majority in the Israeli government.
Pompeo noted that the transition from the former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won’t be starkly different from the leadership of new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett because he has similar politics to his predecessor.
“Mr. Bennett, I'm convinced, has the Israeli people at his heart that he will do the right things on security issues,” Pompeo said in a question-and-answer session at the National Religious Broadcaster convention today. “But he has a tough job, as he is managing an unruly coalition that really united around 'anybody but Netanyahu.'”
Pompeo was speaking with ALL ISRAEL NEWS Founder and Editor-in-Chief Joel Rosenberg.
They covered a wide range of issues, including enemies and allies in the region, and there was a specific focus on the new leadership in Israel, which was recently attacked by one Evangelical leader.
Pompeo was positive, however, though he expressed concern that Bennett will have issues keeping his coalition together since it was built on one common theme – to oust Netanyahu. But now Bennett is presiding over eight parties ranging from far right to far left and one Muslim party.
“I pray that they get it right...for Israel and for the Jewish people,” Pompeo said.
Rosenberg announced that his new non-fiction book – ENEMIES AND ALLIES – will release on September 7, for the 20th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 attacks. Rosenberg presented Pompeo with a copy of the book, which includes exclusive interviews with Pompeo himself, as well as with President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and many of the most consequential Arab kings, crown princes, presidents and prime ministers in the region.
ALL ISRAEL NEWS will report more on the Rosenberg interview with Pompeo — and the book — soon.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.