Hagee: Stakes Couldn't Be Higher for Israel, America - Erick Stakelbeck CBN News

John Hagee - San Antonio, TX

Hagee: Stakes Couldn't Be Higher for Israel, America 

By Erick Stakelbeck

CBN News Correspondent

Monday, November 02, 2015

SAN ANTONIO -- The Obama administration's relationship with Israel may be extremely strained, but poll after poll shows that a large majority of Americans still support the Jewish state and none more so than Bible-believing Christians.

Thousands of believers recently met in San Antonio to voice their support for Israel.

Over the past month, Palestinian terrorists have carried out a wave of deadly attacks against Israeli men, women and children.

Meanwhile, Iranian forces advance in Syria near Israel's doorstep, and they now have the Russian bear in their corner.

While enemies of Israel may be on the move, so are its friends. Thousands turned out in force deep in the heart of Texas to stand with Israel and the Jewish people.

This is the 34th consecutive year that Pastor John Hagee has held "A Night to Honor Israel" at Cornerstone Church. And this year, with the Iran nuclear deal at the forefront, the stakes could not be higher for Israel and America.

"Iran will use a nuclear bomb against Israel and they will use it against America," Pastor Hagee told CBN News. "And America is helping make it happen -- and every American should be outraged by this incident."

Sen. Tim Scott. R-S.C., echoed Hagee's strong criticism of the Iran nuclear deal.

"In year five of the deal, the arms embargo is lifted. In year eight, they get ballistic missiles. And in year 10, they have a straight path to a nuclear weapon. That is not a deal," Scott said.

Hagee also slammed Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas for his incitement of what's being called a "Palestinian stabbing intifada" that has so far claimed the lives of at least 10 Israelis.

"What should America do to send a message to the Palestinians and Mr. Abbas, the president?" Hagee asked. "Shut off all foreign aid to the Palestinians immediately and permanently. Send a letter to them and to the Iranians saying that any attack on Israel would be an attack on the United States of America."

While the message about the gathering threats was sobering, the event was anything but downbeat. It was a celebration and acknowledgement of God's eternal covenant with Israel and the Jewish people.

"It's an opportunity for Jews and Christians to come together in solidarity and focus not on those things that divide us but what we share," Christians United for Israel Director David Brog told CBN News.

Sen. Scott said the Old Testament has a clear message for America regarding Israel.

"A part of the plan that God has for this amazing nation can be found in Psalms 122:6, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. And those who do shall prosper," the senator said.

John Hagee Ministries closed the night to honor Israel by awarding $3.2 million in donations to Israeli and Jewish charities, plus an ambulance. Over the years, the ministry has raised some $95 million for Israel.

Watch report: John Hagee & Tim Scott