'We are one': Netanyahu thanks Evangelical leaders for support in ‘struggle against evil Iranian axis’

As part of his visit to Washington, D.C., this week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, met with a group of Evangelical leaders in the nation’s capital on Wednesday, who expressed support for him. 

Before heading back to Israel Thursday, Netanyahu held several meetings with the Evangelical leaders, as well as with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, heads of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Democrat Senator John Fetterman, and Republican Senators Ted Cruz, Tim Sheehy, and Tom Cotton, at the U.S. President’s guest lodge, Blair House. 

In his meeting with the Evangelical leaders, Netanyahu expressed his appreciation for their support for the State of Israel, in what he described as “his struggle against the Iranian axis of evil.” 

The prime minister talked of the shared biblical and cultural heritage between Jews and Christians, and the common struggle against antisemitism that has recently targeted both religious groups. 

"We’re descendants from the original Hebrews of the Holy Land,” Netanyahu said. “And we are the first part of that Judeo-Christian heritage, which we cherish and which has given the world, the civilization, freedom and faith.” 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu met in Washington with leaders of the Evangelical community.

The community leaders welcomed Prime Minister Netanyahu on his important visit to the U.S. and bolstered him in his struggle against the Iranian axis of… pic.twitter.com/2DOxtbp4er

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 30, 2026

“And, again, we have to stand up and defend it,” Netanyahu continued. “It’s under attack from the rising tide of antisemitism and anti-Evangelicalism. It’s not accidental that the two are coming under a joint attack, because we are one.” 

Netanyahu called on the leaders to remain resolute, saying, “stand up and don’t cower.” 

“And what I ask you is only one thing. Stand up. Stand up and don’t cower. When you’re faced with an attack, what do you do? Attack back,” Netanyahu stated. “That’s all. That’s my long speech.” 

He also appeared to refer to President Donald Trump’s words after surviving the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, when the then-presidential candidate stood up and shouted, “Fight, fight, fight.” 

“And I’m very grateful to you for your consistent support, for the constancy of your friendship,” Netanyahu concluded. “And now it’s time to fight, fight, fight, that’s it.” 

After his meeting with the Evangelical leaders, Netanyahu also met with AIPAC leaders and several senators who have been supportive of Israel. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu met at Blair House in Washington with leaders of @AIPAC. pic.twitter.com/8F7y6ol8HL

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 30, 2026

Netanyahu thanked Senator Sheehy for his “unbelievable support.” 

"I want to thank you for your unbelievable support, your courageous and clear championing of our alliance and our values,” Netanyahu told him. “You've been a wonderful friend, and I want to express the gratitude of the people of Israel, the State of Israel. Thank you.” 

In response, Sheehy said, “It's easy to have friends when it's sunny and everyone's happy, but when you're under siege, that's when your true friends come out.”