Hi all,

I gave this speech recently to a church in Idaho, explaining why I support Israel. After writing it, I realized that its contents might just be helpful to those on my Newsletter list regarding what appears to be a highly confusing set of circumstances about which many people remain neutral on the Israel issue.

I hope this clearly organized set of facts aids you as you make your own decision about Israel and its right to exist, contrary to what many thoughtful people may be considering.

Come with me to Israel. See for yourselves. If it’s important enough to God to have us study His Word about Israel, the Jews and Jesus, it is important enough for us to go see for ourselves. Not all can go with me; I know that…but some can. If you feel so moved, I’ve included some links where you can join me in March of 2027, only 7 ½ months away. Deposits of $500 per person must be in by August 22nd to secure your cruise room, your seats on the busses and your lovely rooms in the Middle East. Visit www.NextYearJerusalem.com to secure your time with Susan and me.

Read on and enjoy reading what I enjoyed writing and delivering as a speech.

Den

Why Christians United for Israel Believes Israel Matters Today

Given By Dennis Mansfield
In Priest Lake, ID
Sunday, August 2nd, 2026

People have asked me over the years why it is that my wife, Susan, my kids, Meg and Colin (and I) have traveled to the Middle East, flying over the Mediterranean Sea past Athens and Egypt and into the airport at Tel Aviv “just to see Israel” (as if visiting the most hallowed ground in the world is a crazy idea!). My answer has always been the same: “Because I support Israel.”

Words alone are not support; spending money, time and energy are support to those we care about; that is “love in action.”

Please let these remarks provide the full answer to “Why I support Israel” from Biblical, Historical, and Strategic Foundations.

Since 1995 I have led or been involved in leading eight tours to Israel.

In 1997 my bride, Susan, and I renewed our 20th anniversary wedding vows in the Garden of Gethsemane on The Mount of Olives.

My ninth tour (for pastors only) happens with CUFI this November, 2026 as we visit Poland and Israel. My 10th tour occurs in March 2027 with my bride, Susan, and me on a “bucket list” tour not connected with Christians United For Israel, but in celebration of our 50th Wedding Anniversary! Please see www.NextYearJerusalem.com for details as to how you may join us.

My responsibilities for CUFI, as the Ministry Engagement Coordinator, are to educate the churches of Idaho regarding the historical, spiritual and moral reasons for supporting Israel. That is my ultimate goal with this presentation.

CUFI was founded by Pastor John Hagee, 20 years ago and teaches that the modern State of Israel represents the national restoration of the Jewish people to their ancestral homeland.

CUFI also argues that Israel is one of America’s most important strategic allies because of shared democratic values, security cooperation, technological innovation, and economic partnerships.

CUFI is accurate.

Here are some clear answers why we must support Israel:

Biblical Foundations

1. God’s Covenant with Abraham

The Bible teaches that God’s covenant with Abraham remains in effect.

Genesis 12:1-3 “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.”

This covenant established a permanent relationship between God, the descendants of Abraham, and the land promised to them. Christians are therefore encouraged to bless and support the Jewish people.

Let’s examine what the Old Testament explains:

These passages demonstrate God’s enduring promises to Israel and the Jewish people. They are unequivocal, straight-forward and clear.

God’s Faithfulness to Israel

God remains faithful to His covenants despite human failures.

These passages are evidence that God has not replaced Israel with the Church and that the Jewish people continue to play a unique role in biblical history.

Opposition to Replacement Theology

“Replacement Theology,” is the belief that the Christian Church permanently replaced Israel in God’s plan.

Instead, consider this:

• That God has a continuing purpose for Israel.
• That Christians and Jews share spiritual roots.
• That the restoration of Israel is consistent with biblical prophecy.

These three positions are central components of Christians supporting Israel.

Historical Foundations

1. The Ancient Jews had a connection to the land. Thousands of years of Jewish history are in the land of Israel. The Biblical Era states the Chain of Title as:

• Abraham, establishing it, then handed it to
• Isaac, followed by
• Jacob, whose generations handed it to
• King David, who gave it to his son,
• King Solomon

Historical Kingdoms

• United Kingdom of Israel existed and held title to the land, followed by…
• Kingdom of Judah was established as the land owner

Archaeological Evidence

• The City of David excavations continue today. I take people through the tunnels – showing where David’s Kingdom is being dug up, little by little – even over these 31 years since I’ve been visiting it, so many discoveries have been found.
• The Dead Sea Scrolls provide remarkable archaeological and literary proof of the written chain of title for Israel’s ownership of the land.
• Ancient Hebrew inscriptions are everywhere. Stone truth can be torn down but it cannot be erased and burned. It remains, carved in stone.
• Jewish historical records by Josephus are remarkable to read. “Israel’s Benedict Arnold”had every opportunity of erasing the historical record of Israel’s ownership of the land when he switched sides and joined the Roman armies to fight the Jews, but he published a record that clearly supports Israel’s claim on the land.

Let’s now move to today…

Modern Israel represents the reestablishment of a people in their ancestral homeland… rather than the creation of an entirely new national identity.

Jewish Exile in the past and Israel’s Return in the present

Major events often cited from the past include:

• Assyrian conquest (722 BC)
• Babylonian exile (586 BC)
• Roman destruction of Jerusalem (AD 70)
• Jewish diaspora (or “dispersion”) throughout the world

Despite this dispersion, Jewish communities maintained:

• Hebrew language traditions
• Religious practices
• Connection to Jerusalem
• Desire to return to Zion

The modern return of Jews to Israel is just as historically extraordinary and biblically significant as their ancient return from Babylon.

Rebirth of Israel in 1948

On May 14, 1948, the modern State of Israel was established. 33 nations voted for Israel to become a nation, including the US, France, Canada and the USSR. 13 nations voted against it, with 10 nations abstaining from the vote. In one day, Israel became a nation.

This event represents:

• Restoration of Jewish sovereignty
• Fulfillment of biblical promises
• Survival after the Holocaust
• It is a remarkable national rebirth

Many view Israel’s reestablishment as one of the most significant geopolitical events of the twentieth century.

Why Israel Is Important to the United States

1. Shared Democratic Values

Israel and the United States share:

• Democratic governments
• The Rule of Law
• Religious liberty
• Freedom of speech
• Independent judiciary

Israel is frequently described as America’s closest democratic ally in the Middle East. The reason is, because it’s true!

2. Strategic Security Partnership

Israel and the United States cooperate extensively on:

• Intelligence gathering
• Counterterrorism
• Missile defense
• Cybersecurity
• Military technology

Examples include:

• Iron Dome missile defense
• David’s Sling defense system
• Joint military exercises
• Intelligence sharing

This cooperation strengthens American national security.

3. Stability in the Middle East

Israel serves as:

• A reliable American ally
• A counterweight to hostile regional actors
• A strategic partner against terrorism

From this perspective, a strong Israel contributes to regional stability and protects American interests.

Economic and Business Benefits

1. Technology and Innovation

Israel is often called the “Startup Nation.”

Major sectors include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Medical technology
• Agriculture technology
• Water conservation

Many American companies maintain research and development operations in Israel. These partnerships generate innovation that benefits both countries.

Notable examples include:

• Intel⁠
• Microsoft⁠
• Google⁠
• Many others

2. Trade Relationship

The United States and Israel maintain a strong economic partnership.

Highlights include:

• Israel has one of America’s longest-standing free trade agreements
• Billions of dollars in annual trade occur
• Joint research projects happen
• Investment partnerships continue

Israel is a significant destination for American exports and technology cooperation.

3. Medical and Scientific Research

U.S.-Israel cooperation has produced advances in:

• Cancer research
• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceuticals
• Agricultural innovation
• Water purification

These partnerships create benefits extending beyond both nations.

The Core Message of Christians United ForIsrael is as follows:

As supporters of Israel, we summarize oursupport for Israel through three primary convictions:

Biblical:

God’s covenant with Israel remains valid, and Christians are called to bless the Jewish people.

Historical:

The Jewish people maintain an ancient and continuous connection to the land of Israel, and the modern state represents a restoration of that historic homeland.

Strategic:

Israel is a strong democratic ally whose security, economic strength, and technological leadership contribute to American interests and regional stability.

Conclusion

Support for Israel rests on a combination of biblical covenant, historical continuity, moral responsibility, and strategic partnership.

The modern State of Israel reflects God’s continuing faithfulness to His promises, while also serving as a vital ally of the United States through shared values, security cooperation, innovation, and economic partnership. It’s why I return again and again to Israel.

Come join me in March, 2027, in a tangible way of showing your support for Israel. www.NextYearJerusalem.com​