Menachem Begin brought about a historic shift in the way the State of Israel viewed its international alliances. He was the first prime minister to identify the potential inherent in the deep bond with Christian Zionism and turned it into an unparalleled strategic partnership. While parts of liberal American Jewry were wary of embracing conservative Christian streams, Begin understood that in the changing world of the Cold War, Israel needed true friends motivated not only by political considerations but by fervent religious belief.
The central figure in this story was Dr. Jerry Falwell. Falwell, a charismatic preacher and founder of the Moral Majority, was not only a religious leader; he was a powerful political force. Begin recognized Falwell’s influence, and the two became personal friends. That friendship went beyond courtesy meetings; Falwell became a direct channel to President Ronald Reagan, whose 1980 election to the White House was driven in large part by Falwell’s support. Thanks to Begin and Falwell, Israel became a core issue for tens of millions of Christian Zionists, who saw support for the Jewish state as a biblical and moral imperative.
Menachem Begin
(Photo: David Rubinger)
This alliance created an impressive historical continuum. When Begin led the legislation of Basic Law: Jerusalem, it was Falwell who used all his political power to advocate for moving the U.S. Embassy to the city. This was not a move that happened overnight but the result of painstaking work that continued for decades. Falwell bequeathed to his son, Jerry Falwell Jr., not only the Liberty University empire but also an unwavering commitment to Israel. His successor, Jerry Falwell Jr., was among the key activists who led the evangelical community to support Donald Trump’s candidacy.
That support was not in vain. President Trump, who felt a deep obligation to that voter base, did indeed keep his promise and move the embassy to Jerusalem. It was the moment that brought the historic circle begun by Begin and Falwell to a close. The embassy relocation was not an isolated event but the culmination of a process that began in the 1980s, when Begin laid the foundations and Falwell built upon them the walls of Christian Zionist support.
Dr. Kobby Barda Photo: Tal GivoniIn retrospect, it is clear that without Begin’s connective vision, which saw Christian Zionism as a natural partner, Israel’s political reality in 2026 would look entirely different. He succeeded in turning Christian Zionism into a significant protective force in the international arena. Today, as Israel enjoys broad support among tens of millions of evangelical Christians, it is worth remembering the first step Begin took when he understood that a true friend in Washington, one who believes in the Bible as he does, is the Jewish people’s most important strategic asset.
- Dr. Kobby Barda, Multidisciplinary School, Holon Institute of Technology; senior researcher, Jewish People Policy Institute