Christian Advocacy and the Call for Action on Settler Violence in the West Bank

Christian organizations have been vocal in urging President Donald Trump to press Israel for the protection of Palestinian Christian communities facing settler violence. These communities are located in the West Bank, where repeated attacks and restrictions threaten to displace them. Advocates warn that this violence could dismantle one of the oldest Christian presences in the Holy Land, reportedly with American diplomatic support, as noted by one advocate speaking to Newsweek.

President Trump has given his total endorsement to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection, who has held power for about 19 years in various terms. This endorsement occurred shortly after settlers reportedly attacked an American journalist in the West Bank. Trump’s ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, condemned the attack, labeling it a ‘despicable act of terror’ and called for arrests and prosecutions of those responsible.

The U.S. Embassy has been involved in efforts to have Israeli forces remove the settlers, and the Israeli police are investigating what Netanyahu described as a ‘confrontation.’ This incident is part of several disputed events, and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the violence by Israeli rioters in Taybeh, the West Bank’s last entirely Christian village. On the weekend, masked settlers allegedly attacked European diplomats and a French mayor there as well.

Alexandrya Pouliot, who is part of the Save West Bank Christians campaign, was attacked while with the European delegation. She described how Christians in the West Bank are facing an existential threat, at risk of disappearing if violence continues. Reverend Mae Elise Cannon, a Protestant pastor, also highlighted the danger, noting how many Christian families in Bethlehem consider leaving due to safety and livelihood concerns.

Both Pouliot and Cannon called upon the Trump administration to pressure Israel into addressing this violence. A White House official stated that maintaining a stable West Bank is essential for Israel’s security, aligning with the administration’s peace goals.

Israeli leaders, including President Isaac Herzog, emphasize their support for Christian communities in Israel, considering them a blessing. Herzog assured that these communities would continue to grow and practice their religion freely.

Despite appeals from multiple Palestinian organizations for action against settler violence, Christian appeals stand out, given Trump’s repeated association of his support for Israel with his Christian evangelical base. He referenced this connection during events, like when he moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.

Mike Huckabee has addressed both his support for Israel and the violence against Christians. He called the attack on American journalist Heidi Levine as a dishonorable act and demanded a full investigation. Huckabee emphasized the cultural and religious ties between Christians and Israel, noting positive receptions during his visits.

Palestinian Christians in the West Bank face diminishing numbers, as financial resources and international connections make emigration more accessible than for their Muslim neighbors. According to the U.S. State Department’s 2023 International Religious Freedom Report, less than 2% of the West Bank’s population is Christian.

Christian populations in Taybeh have decreased significantly due to increased tensions following attacks in October 2023. Reports indicate a population decrease of 75 people in Taybeh since then. Independent reports also show many Christians leaving Bethlehem, with hundreds applying for emigration visas due to the hostile environment.

The village of Taybeh has been affected by ongoing violence, limiting economic activities like olive harvesting. The area was declared a closed military zone by Israeli authorities, further impacting residents without necessarily improving security, according to Bishop James Curry.

Cannon highlighted how some Christians overlook settler violence due to religious beliefs regarding Jewish Israelis. The situation isolates Christian communities from each other and their holy sites.

Recently, the U.S. Senate voted against a measure requiring a report on West Bank violence. The only Republican supporting the measure was Senator Rand Paul. Advocates for the measure sought justice for American citizens killed amidst the violence.

While Trump’s administration supports Israel, it has also condemned settler violence. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. expects Israel to prevent further attacks. Diplomats visited Taybeh in response to recent violence, with assurances to protect the community.

Israel has condemned settler violence, attributing it to rogue extremists. After attacks on West Bank villages, Netanyahu criticized these actions as harmful to Israel’s international standing and the Jewish community within the country.