ON THE ROSENBERG REPORT: Israel seeks to 'upgrade our relations to a new level,' says new envoy to Christian world

For the first time in its history, Israel has appointed an official ambassador to the global Christian community – home to more than 2.5 billion believers.

In an exclusive interview with Joel C. Rosenberg on TBN's THE ROSENBERG REPORT, Ambassador George Deek outlined a clear and compelling message to Christians worldwide: gratitude, partnership and a call to action at a critical moment.

Deek, a veteran diplomat and a native Israeli Christian, emphasized that the appointment reflects a strategic shift in Israel’s relationship with the Christian world. “We do have a special relationship between us and the Christian world,” he said. “We share the same values, the same commitment to our civilization and to the core beliefs that we hold.”

At the heart of his message is deep appreciation. “The first thing I think that I should do in this position is just to say thank you,” Deek said. “Christians around the world… have always supported Israel. They stood with us when we were weak… when we needed help… when everyone else did not stand with us.” He added, “We deeply cherish and are grateful for this support.”

But the role is not only about acknowledging the past – it is about shaping the future. Deek explained that Israel seeks to “upgrade our relations with the Christian world to a new level,” one that is more intentional, direct and collaborative.

A central pillar of that vision is encouraging Christians to reconnect physically and spiritually with the land of the Bible.

“We want every Christian to come and connect to the Bible… by actually visiting the real sites where Jesus walked,” he said. “Israel is the guardian of the holy places… of Jerusalem and Nazareth and all the holy sites.”

At the same time, Deek addressed growing criticism and misconceptions about Israel, particularly regarding the treatment of Christians. While condemning isolated incidents of misconduct by Israeli soldiers as “completely unacceptable” and “abhorrent,” he pushed back strongly against broader narratives.

“As a Christian, I grew up here,” Deek said. “Christians in Israel are not just surviving – they are thriving.” He noted that the Christian population has grown significantly, calling Israel the “only place in the Middle East where the Christian presence is growing.”

This reality, he argued, stands in stark contrast to the wider region. “Christians in the Middle East are experiencing ethnic cleansing,” he warned. “From Mosul to Aleppo… the Christian presence is shrinking.”

He urged global believers: “Raise your voice for the Christians of the Middle East. They are disappearing… right under our noses.”

Deek’s message also carries a broader strategic and moral dimension. He described Israel as “the outpost of the Western world in this region, defending Judeo-Christian values,” and positioned the Jewish state as a vital partner for Christians globally.

Ultimately, his appeal is both relational and urgent. At a time of rising confusion, criticism and hostility toward Israel, Deek is calling for renewed clarity, solidarity and engagement.

“This is the right time,” he said, to strengthen the bond between Israel and the Christian world – not only as allies, but as partners rooted in shared faith, values and history.