More and more, Israel views global, Bible-based support from Christians as a strategic asset in its struggle for survival.

The annual Herzliya Conference is Israel’s premier forum on security and diplomacy, and is regularly addressed by the nation’s top political and military leaders.

This year, it was also addressed by two representatives of the Christian Zionist movement.

Dr. Jürgen Bühler, executive directory of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), and Dr. Jerry Johnson, president and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters, were both invited to deliver keynote speeches.

Israeli and Jewish attendees made note of the fact that Bühler’s was the only speech at the conference that was opened with prayer.

After ICEJ spokesman David Parsons thanked God for the opportunity to stand there in defense of Israel, Bühler challenged his hosts to “think about the strategic opportunities that the evangelical world can offer to the State of Israel today and in the future.”

Dr. Johnson added during his time at the podium:

“The Jewish people have been a blessing for Christianity. Christianity came out of Judaism. Freedom is an ultimate value in Christianity, and when you read the Hebrew scriptures you read about liberty, freedom and the rule of law. Israel stands alone in this region in defense of liberty, freedom and the rule of law.”

h/t Kehila News