A delegation of more than 140 Evangelical Christian leaders from 18 countries has arrived in Israel for a multi-day advocacy mission aimed at strengthening ties with the Jewish state and countering international criticism over the ongoing war.
Organized by the US-based Eagles’ Wings movement and its founder, Bishop Robert Stearns, the group includes senior pastors, public figures, community heads, and media influencers. Other participants come from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, India, and several African nations, including Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda.
The visit coincides with Israel’s 2025 Ambassador Summit, hosted by the Foreign Ministry and the Friends of Zion Museum.
During meetings with senior Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, blue and White Party leader Benny Gantz, and Energy Minister Eli Cohen, delegates received briefings on the war, Israel’s humanitarian policies, and the challenges facing the country as it confronts what officials describe as a coordinated global effort to erode its international standing.
Saar told Stearns that backing from Evangelical communities is “more vital than ever” as Israel faces rising anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiment worldwide. He praised the mission for bringing “the next generation of Christian leaders” to see the situation firsthand.
Stearns said the visit was intended to give participants direct exposure to Israel’s wartime decision-making and to equip them to address misinformation within their own communities.
Gantz, in separate meetings, discussed Israel’s efforts to balance military operations with humanitarian considerations and the difficulties posed by combat in civilian areas.
The delegation also met Sheikh Muwaffaq Tarif, spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community, who spoke about the persecution of Druze and other minorities in Syria. Moved by his account, Eagles’ Wings pledged financial support for Druze community initiatives.
Stearns warned that without sustained engagement, Israel risks losing a key pillar of international support that has historically played a significant role on the world stage.