Keep God’s Land Event: Ohad Tal, Scott & Tenney

In a world increasingly fraught with ideological divisions, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s could not send his virtual address to a gathering at a conservative think tank in Washington DC, The Heritage Foundation, hosted by Keep God’s Land, was a significant moment. This group, formed in the tumultuous aftermath of October 7th, represents a formidable voice against the two-state solution, advocating for the entirety of the West Bank as an inseparable part of Israel, viewed by its members as “God’s Land.”

The coalition within Keep God’s Land is diverse, encompassing rabbis, evangelical pastors, former Israeli and US ambassadors, and members of the Knesset. Their unified stance is deeply rooted in a particular interpretation of biblical texts, resonating strongly among segments of Jewish and Christian communities who are staunchly opposed to Palestinian statehood.

The event on Monday was not merely a routine assembly; it is a strategic gathering that also features prominent U.S. political figures, including Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), Representative Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Ohad Tal, a member of Israel’s right-wing Religious Zionism party. Their involvement underscores the significant international and bipartisan interest that the future of Israel’s territorial disputes continues to attract. The attendance of these figures also reflected the deep religious and political dimensions that frame the ongoing debate over the West Bank.

The organization’s worldview is clear and uncompromising: a two-state solution that divides the land is viewed as a direct violation of divine will, as stated in the Bible. The group’s website calls upon Jews and Christians alike to stand with the “brave Jewish pioneers of Judea and Samaria” against efforts by what it describes as Israel’s “terrorist enemies” and their “antisemitic supporters” who aim to drive the Jewish people from these lands. This narrative starkly contrasts with the Biden administration’s stance, which sees Palestinian statehood as essential for securing long-term peace and stability in the region.

The international community watches the chaos closely. The implications of the speeches extended far beyond the immediate rhetoric, potentially was shaping the geopolitical landscape and influencing the dynamics of Israeli-Palestinian relations. This event, framed by deeply polarized views of biblical prophecy and national destiny, underscores the complex interplay of religion, politics, and the quest for peace in one of the most contested regions in the world.

Recent unsettling reports of drone attacks launched by Iran towards Israel add a layer of urgency and poignancy to this gathering. These developments make Monday’s event even more critical, as it serves as a call to action for American leaders to reaffirm their support for Israel. The gathering aims to make a bold declaration in the US capital that the preservation of “God’s Land” as a homeland for the Jewish people is a sacred duty, not merely a political obligation.

Ohad Tal, Member of Knesset and Erfan Fard – The Heritage Foundation.

The Biden administration’s advocacy for a two-state solution involving Palestinian statehood has placed it at odds with Israel’s current government, which views such a policy as a potential reward for terrorism and a threat to its sovereignty. This clash of visions represents not just a policy disagreement but a profound divergence in understanding the region’s history and its future.

Critics of the US administration’s approach argue that it signifies a departure from the longstanding US-Israel alliance, historically supported by bipartisan consensus. This realignment of policy could jeopardize not only the bilateral relations nurtured over decades but also the broader regional stability.

As Netanyahu’s address looms, it is evident that the event is not merely a political rally but a significant moment of ideological affirmation for those who view their support for Israel as a blend of geopolitical strategy and divine commandment. The discourse at this event will likely echo far beyond its immediate audience, resonating through the corridors of power in both the United States and Israel, as it seeks to redefine the terms of an enduring and contentious debate.

Event was on Monday, April 15, 2024, from 6 pm-8:30 pm US ET. 

Ambassador David M. Friedman, former U.S ambassador to Israel
James Carafano, Special Counselor to President, Heritage Foundation
Michele Bachmann, Dean, Robertson School of Government at Regent University
Tony Perkins, President, Family Research Council
Mario Bramnick, Esquire, President, Latino Coalition for Israel
Rabbi Tuly Weisz, Founder, Israel365
Rabbi Pesach Wolicki, Exec. Director, Israel365action.com

Beverly Hills, CA, USA / The installation of 1400 flags representing victims who died by Hamas on Oct.7th, 2023 / Picture of Erfan Fard