Full Breakdown
Christian Women Leaders Visit Israel Amid Regional Tensions
2/27/2026, 1:20:47 PM
Delegation Overview and Purpose
A delegation of 120 senior Christian women leaders from the United States and other countries arrived in Israel on March 2, 2023, marking what organizers describe as the largest Christian women’s leadership mission to visit the country. The visit is organized by Eagles’ Wings, a Christian organization focused on building ties between Christian communities and Israel. The delegation's itinerary includes meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog, as well as visits to significant sites, including the memorial for victims of the October 7 Hamas attack.
Context of the Visit
The timing of the delegation's visit coincides with heightened regional tensions, particularly surrounding Iran, as U.S. officials engage in nuclear talks with Iranian representatives in Geneva. The delegation aims to express solidarity with the Jewish people during this sensitive period, with Bishop Robert Stearns, founder of Eagles’ Wings, emphasizing the group's intention to "stand with, support, and strengthen the Jewish people." The delegation includes evangelical women pastors, public figures, and academics, and plans to meet with women in government, including ministers and members of Knesset.
Meetings and Activities
The delegation's activities include a central meeting with President Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog, as well as discussions with Arab-Christian women to explore shared challenges and opportunities for cooperation. The group will also visit the Nova music festival memorial site to meet a survivor of the October 7 attack. Sue Ten Eyck, an Eagles’ Wings leader, highlighted the significance of the visit during Purim, stating, “As in Esther’s time, there are dark forces bent on the destruction of Israel.”
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently reiterated Israel's commitment to ensuring regional security and prosperity during a meeting with ambassadors and diplomatic envoys to the United Nations. He expressed concern over rising antisemitism, stating, "The only thing that changed is that when they come to massacre us, we have the ability to defend ourselves." President Herzog criticized the United Nations for its perceived failure to combat terrorism effectively, calling for a more robust international response.
Criticism & Opposition
While the delegation's visit is framed as a show of support for Israel, some critics may view it as an alignment with a government facing accusations of human rights violations. Concerns have been raised regarding the implications of such visits during periods of conflict, particularly in relation to the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza.
What's Next
The delegation's visit is set against a backdrop of ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region, including discussions on U.S. President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza. As the situation evolves, the outcomes of these meetings and the broader implications for U.S.-Israel relations will be closely monitored.
Verbatim Quotes
- “to pray and stand in solidarity,” — Sue Ten Eyck, Eagles’ Wings Leader
- “Israel is a very small, but very powerful country, because of technology and science, but also because of the spirit of the people,” — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
- “The weakness of the international system is its lack of ability to fight terror without mercy, not accepting terror in any way, not justifying terror, and then blaming those who fight against terror, like us.” — President Isaac Herzog
