Bombshell: US senator faces backlash over ‘God says defend Israel’ command in the Bible

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz is facing a firestorm of both praise and criticism after declaring that the Bible commands Christians to defend the state of Israel — a claim rooted in faith-based foreign policy but contested by theologians and religious leaders alike.

“As Christians, we are biblically commanded to defend Israel,” Cruz said at a conservative gathering in Washington this week. “This is about obedience to God’s word and standing with His chosen people.”

The statement, delivered amid heightened conflict between Israel and Iran, aligns closely with the views of Christian Zionists — a movement within evangelical Christianity that believes supporting modern Israel is a fulfillment of biblical prophecy.

Cruz and others often cite Genesis 12:3, where God tells Abraham: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” Many Christian Zionists interpret this as a divine call to support Israel unconditionally.

But scholars say it’s not that simple.

“There is no direct biblical command that says every Christian must defend the political state of Israel,” said Rev. David Whitmore, a professor of theology at Duke Divinity School.

“Genesis 12:3 is about Abraham and his descendants, but applying that verse to modern geopolitical policy is an interpretive leap — not a universal Christian mandate.”

While some evangelical groups cheer Cruz’s stance, others argue that tying U.S. foreign policy to biblical prophecy risks blurring the lines between church and state — and alienating Christians who don’t share that interpretation.

“Supporting justice and peace in the Holy Land is important,” said Rev. Linda Chukwuma, a pastor in Atlanta. “But let’s not pretend the Bible tells us to support military action or national governments uncritically. That’s not sound theology — that’s politics wrapped in scripture.”

Political analysts say Cruz’s statement is aimed squarely at his conservative base, especially Christian voters in swing states who believe that blessing Israel secures divine favor for America.

But others warn that conflating spiritual belief with foreign allegiance can have dangerous consequences — especially in a region already steeped in centuries of religious tension.

“This isn’t just about theology,” said international affairs analyst Mariam Odeh.

“When U.S. leaders frame global conflicts in biblical terms, they risk escalating them beyond reason or diplomacy.”

As Israel’s war with Iran continues and the international community debates intervention, Cruz’s words have thrown gasoline on a theological and political fire — one that may burn well beyond the pages of scripture.

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