Netanyahu warns of 'eighth front' ideological battle for American hearts and minds with Christian leaders

"There's an eighth front," he said, describing a struggle "for the hearts and minds of people, especially young people in the West, and for me especially in the United States." He framed that effort not only as Israel's fight, but as a broader one. "It's our common Judeo-Christian civilization's battle," he said.

The prime minister argued that this ideological front requires the same resolve as military action. "There are some people who believe that faith should be silent and terrorism should be understood," Netanyahu said. "Faith should speak its voice and terrorism should be confronted, not understood, confronted and defeated."

Netanyahu told the group he had spoken with Trump the day before and described what he sees as global threats facing Israel and its allies. He pointed to "two forces," identifying "radical Shiite Islam," led by Iran, and "radical Sunni Islam," which he said is led by the Muslim Brotherhood.

Netanyahu said Israel is working toward broader cooperation to assist Christian communities under threat worldwide. "We are joining an effort to have basically a United Nations of countries that support Christian communities around the world," he said, adding, "Just as you are helping us, we want to help back."

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, who attended the meeting, later wrote on X that Evangelical leaders' commitment to Israel was "inspiring" and said shared values would "fortify the bond between both our nations."