Media Fail to Note Christian Zionist Operative Who Organized Congressional Visit to West Bank | Religion Dispatches

My latest at Religion Dispatches.

GOP leader Mike Johnson visited the West Bank yesterday & proclaimed support for Israeli annexation. But few noticed the Christian Zionist operative who has quietly arranged trips like this for decades, driven by Biblical prophecy.

Heather Johnston runs the US Israel Education Association from her home in Arkansas. USIEA arranges ‘Biblical’ trips to the occupied West Bank for senior Congressional leaders. When AIPAC tours cross the Green line it draws controversy- USIEA benefits from avoiding the spotlight.

In 2011 Johnston’s West Bank tour helped convince Congressional leaders to secure major US funding for Israel’s Iron Dome system. She claims to work regularly with Netanyahu, Mike Johnson & other prominent US & Israeli leaders- but few know her name.

Johnston sees her “hidden role” in the West Bank as the “staging ground” for the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. And while many Christian Zionists disavow conversionary intent, Johnston seems to think bringing Jews to Jesus is part of the prophetic plan.

Yesterday’s Congressional visit was part of an international Christian Zionist strategy long in the making. It’s everywhere in the US pro-Israel movement, but its influence is easy to overlook.