SocraticGadfly: Has Netanyahu finally pushed the US too far?

March 24, 2023

Has Netanyahu finally pushed the US too far?

The Knesset earlier this week had ultra-Orthodox parties in his coalition put forward a bill that would, if adopted, ban proselytizing. It targets any religion besides Judaism, but mentions Christianity by name. Will the Religious Right in the US get Bibi to kill the bill? Will they get him to talk about why it even made it to the floor?

And, will Biden and Blinken say anything publicly?

But, what if it passes? What will the Religious Right do then? What will Biden, Blinken and Nod say?

And, no, that's not in the realm of fantasy. When private Israeli citizens attack a Christian church, and during worship, no less, and even attack the Orthodox archbishop, the possibility this bill could pass must be considered, especially since Mondoweiss notes this is NOT a one-off.

It references a statement by the Greek Patriarch of Jerusalem:

“This dismal situation,” the statement continues, “hasn’t drawn any appropriate reaction, locally or internationally, despite appeals, requests, and protests made by the Churches of the Holy Land. It is painfully clear now that the authentic Christian presence in the Holy Land is in great danger.”

Indeed, indeed.

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As for the Religious Right? Its first option here will be radio silence until the mainstream media pushes it. Option 2 in some cases, per the patriarch's comment about "authentic Christian presence," will likely be to claim that Orthodoxy, like Catholicism, isn't "authentic." Option 3 may be to claim that these are Palestinians pretending to be authentic Christians. (This ignores that Arafat's wife was one.)

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