After months of bureaucratic delays, Israel restores visa procedures for U.S. Evangelical Christian groups, reinforcing crucial ties with American faith communities.
A Diplomatic Hurdle Resolved: Israel Reinstates Evangelical Visa Access
In a significant development for U.S.-Israel relations, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced Monday evening that the issue surrounding visa delays for American Evangelical Christians traveling to Israel has been fully resolved.
The situation arose earlier this year when a change in how visas for Christian organizations were processed — a system that had worked smoothly for decades — led to major bureaucratic and financial setbacks. Evangelical groups faced mounting paperwork, delays, and unexpected costs, straining one of Israel’s most loyal international alliances.
“Starting in January, new visa procedures created logistical challenges for long-standing Christian organizations operating in Israel,” Huckabee explained in a post on X. “These groups never requested special treatment — only a return to the effective process that existed for years.”
After assuming his ambassadorship, Huckabee quickly identified the scope of the issue and began working behind the scenes. Initial discussions with Israel’s Minister of the Interior appeared promising, but complications persisted.
It was only after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office became actively involved that the matter was finally put to rest. Huckabee credited the intervention of Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, as well as Attorney Calev Myers, who represents over 150 Christian organizations in Israel, for their critical roles in securing the resolution.
“I am delighted to report that the issue has been resolved to everyone’s satisfaction,” Huckabee stated. “The strong support that Israel enjoys from American Evangelicals will continue.”
The ambassador emphasized that the Interior Minister had not been fully aware of the procedural shift and personally intervened to restore the long-standing, streamlined process.
“American Christians are among Israel’s most steadfast allies,” Huckabee said. “Solving this issue as friends not only strengthens that bond but affirms our mutual respect and cooperation.”
