House Speaker Mike Johnson has reaffirmed the critical importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance, calling for a united front against rising antisemitism. His remarks come amid growing divisions within the Republican Party regarding support for Israel, particularly from members such as Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie, who have challenged the party’s traditional pro-Israel stance.
During an interview on the Katie Miller Podcast, Johnson addressed what he described as a “schism” within the GOP over its foreign policy towards Israel. He emphasized that support for Israel should be recognized for its strategic necessity in the Middle East. “We need to love everybody and certainly the Jewish people,” Johnson stated, insisting that antisemitism must be “universally rejected.”
Johnson highlighted that many Americans view support for Israel through a lens of “scripturally based, biblical reasons.” He remarked, “Even if you don’t accept that, you have to look at this objectively and say it’s really important to have that ally and partner in that corner of the world. It’s the only stable democracy in the Middle East.”
The House Speaker’s defense of the U.S.-Israel alliance comes at a time when some Republicans are increasingly vocal in their dissent. Greene, who plans to resign from Congress in January 2026, has been a prominent critic of U.S. military aid to Israel. Meanwhile, Massie has long opposed such aid, questioning the influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC on U.S. foreign policy.
In his interview, Johnson also underscored the broader implications of antisemitism, stating, “The antisemitism stuff ought to be universally rejected and called out. I’m very insistent about that.” His comments reflect a desire for unity within the party as it navigates complex issues related to foreign policy and domestic ideology.
The divide within the Republican Party raises questions about the future of U.S. foreign policy and its longstanding commitment to Israel. Johnson’s advocacy for a unified stance against antisemitism and support for Israel may serve to bridge some of these gaps, but the ongoing tensions within the GOP suggest that the conversation is far from settled.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Johnson’s remarks serve as a reminder of the longstanding ties between the U.S. and Israel, grounded in both strategic interests and shared democratic values. The challenge remains for the Republican Party to reconcile its internal differences while maintaining a consistent message on international alliances.
