Jewish settler violence is hurting Israel - and helping its enemies

I am an advocate for Israel. I love Israel and its people. I advocate for Israel because the Bible tells me to, not because I have a “brain virus” or some strange Zionist derangement. I simply believe the Scriptures.

God said in Genesis 17:8: “The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.” (NIV)

That is why I stand with Israel—because God does.

In Genesis 12:3, God promises: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (NIV)

I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t want the blessing that comes from blessing Israel. You’d almost have to have a brain virus to turn that down.

It is my duty to stand with Israel and seek the truth behind the headlines. That is not blind support; sometimes Israel is wrong.

Over the past two years, we’ve seen a lot of stupidity in the media about Israel, and it’s my job to counter the lies because some people hate Israel no matter what. Others are simply misinformed.

Some accusations are easy to debunk.

For example, the absurd conspiracy theory that Mossad assassinated Charlie Kirk. Why would Mossad kill someone who loved Israel and advocated for it?

Or the “genocide” lie while Israel is literally texting warnings and dropping leaflets telling civilians to move out of harm’s way. That is not the behavior of a genocidal regime.

These are easy things to counter.

But there is a real problem in Israel—one that is difficult to defend: settler violence.

ALL ISRAEL NEWS reported last week:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as the defense and foreign ministers, came out strongly on Monday against the recent spike in violent riots perpetrated by Jews against Palestinians, as well as police and army forces in Judea and Samaria.
“I view with great severity the violent disturbances and the attempt to take the law into their own hands by a small, extremist group that does not represent the residents of Judea and Samaria,” Netanyahu said.

A small number of extremists are causing trouble, but the problem is that this story is true.

Guys, you are shooting yourselves in the foot.

People already hate Israel, and settler violence gives them exactly the ammunition they want. All they have to do is post a video and shout, “Look what those Jews are doing to the Palestinians.”

And it’s true. I can’t advocate for Israel on this issue because the story is accurate.

People are watching what you do. In today’s digital world, a video can circle the globe in seconds. Settlers must remember that their actions will be seen by millions, many of whom already have strong opinions.

Israel haters will seize on these incidents instantly. They will declare themselves righteous defenders of the Palestinian cause because “evil Jews” are mistreating Palestinians and I can’t say otherwise when the evidence is real.

Of course, if you want to find a bad Jew, you’ll find one, just like in any society. But don’t hand your enemies the ammunition they crave.

Israel has many wonderful advocates. But Palestine also has advocates, extremely active on social media, waiting for stories that fit their narrative.

Jewish settlers need to remember that others live in this land too. Even if you disagree with them, you still have to live side by side. You must respect someone else's property, their land, their olive tree—because you would expect the same in return.

Jesus said it best in Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (NIV)

It’s a simple rule that keeps the peace and helps people like me advocate for Israel in a positive way.

So please, stop the violence. Stop giving your enemies ammunition.