Evangelicals Move Republicans on US Israeli Embassy Location

For John, BLUF:  This issue shows how there have been realignments in the political firmament.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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How The GOP Became A ‘Pro-Israel’ Party

From the Five Thirty Eight Blog and reporter Rebecca Shimoni Stoil, 8 December 2017.

Here is the lede plus one:

A host of Israeli leaders and pro-Israel voters had long been advocating for the decision that President Trump announced on Wednesday, which recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and began the process of relocating the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv.  The fact that the controversial decision was carried out by a Republican president is indicative of the dramatic change in the GOP’s position on Israel since Israel was founded.

The Republican party has moved from not supporting Israel enough, in the eyes of many Jewish Americans, to backing policies that now go further than the positions espoused by many Jewish voters — but are in keeping with the views of evangelical voters.  As bipartisan support for Israel erodes, the controversial move risks further accelerating a growing party split.

Of course some of the resistance to the move is based upon the fact that some believe whatever President Trump does is the wrong thing.  If the President declared ice cream good there are those who would mourn for the lactose intolerant.

Hat tip to the FiveThirtyEight Blog.

Regards  —  Cliff