CPAC Reveals Generational Divide Over GOP Support for Israel

Younger conservatives question party's steadfast backing of Israel amid U.S.-Iran war

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:04pm

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At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Texas, a generational divide has emerged within the Republican Party over its longstanding support for Israel. Younger conservatives, influenced by figures like Tucker Carlson, are increasingly questioning the purpose and value of the U.S.-Israel relationship, particularly in the context of the ongoing U.S.-Iran war. This skepticism contrasts with the unwavering pro-Israel stance of older Republicans, especially evangelical Christians who see Israel as fulfilling biblical prophecy.

Why it matters

The debate over Israel at CPAC reflects a broader shift within the Republican Party, as younger voters who helped propel Donald Trump's 2024 victory are now voicing concerns about the party's staunch pro-Israel position. This generational divide could complicate the GOP's efforts to maintain its slim majorities in Congress heading into the 2022 midterm elections, as it risks alienating a key part of Trump's political base.

The details

Former Congressman Matt Gaetz's speech at CPAC, which included a veiled swipe at perceived Israeli influence over U.S. politicians, struck a discordant note at the event. His comments cut against calls for Republican unity and exposed the growing rift, with younger conservatives increasingly questioning support for Israel. This skepticism reflects a broader distrust of military intervention among younger Republicans, fueled in part by conservative figures like Tucker Carlson, who have drawn accusations of stoking antisemitism for their allegations of excessive Israeli influence on U.S. policy.

  • The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has emerged as one of the main flashpoints at CPAC, which for decades has served as a central gathering for Republican politicians and activists.
  • On the conference's opening day, Rev. Franklin Graham said that, by striking Iran to protect Israel, President Donald Trump was like the biblical figure of Esther, a Jewish queen who, according to scripture, was elevated by God to save her people from annihilation in ancient Persia.

The players

Matt Gaetz

Former Congressman who opened his CPAC speech by aligning with a Republican faction 'loyal to only one nation,' a veiled swipe at perceived Israeli influence over U.S. politicians.

Tucker Carlson

Conservative commentator whose allegations of excessive Israeli influence on U.S. policy have drawn accusations that he is stoking antisemitism, which he has repeatedly denied.

Jack Posobiec

A conservative commentator and online influencer who said age 45 is a dividing line, with the younger cohort more likely to question the party's steadfast support of Israel.

Noah Bundy

A 17-year-old conservative from Georgia attending his first CPAC, who opposed the war with Iran and questioned whether the military operation put Israel's interests ahead of America's.

Ryder Gerrald

An 18-year-old conservative from Georgia attending his first CPAC, who said the younger generation does not like Israel as much compared to the older generation and would prefer redirecting U.S. taxpayer dollars toward domestic priorities rather than bolstering Israel's military.

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What they’re saying

“People want to paint it off as if it's antisemitism, but I don't think that's what it is. It's just a question of: Why? What is the purpose of this relationship? And I hear that a lot from young voters.”

— Jack Posobiec, Conservative commentator and online influencer

“I think they totally pushed us into a war with Iran. My whole family is military and none of us is really for it.”

— Noah Bundy, 17-year-old conservative from Georgia

“Our younger generation, we don't like Israel as much compared to the older generation. I would prefer redirecting U.S. taxpayer dollars toward domestic priorities, rather than spending to bolster Israel's military.”

— Ryder Gerrald, 18-year-old conservative from Georgia

“Israel is God's people. The U.S. was founded on the Judeo-Christian belief. I guess I'm a traditionalist.”

— Harry Strine III, 83-year-old CPAC attendee

“I believe God has raised him up for a time such as this, like Queen Esther.”

— Rev. Franklin Graham, Prominent Christian evangelist

What’s next

The debate over Israel's influence on U.S. policy is likely to continue to be a contentious issue within the Republican Party, with younger conservatives potentially pushing for a shift in the party's traditional pro-Israel stance. This could have significant implications for the GOP's political strategy and messaging heading into the 2022 midterm elections and beyond.

The takeaway

The generational divide over Republican support for Israel exposed at CPAC reflects a broader shift within the party, as younger voters who helped propel Trump's 2024 victory are now voicing concerns about the party's staunch pro-Israel position. This could complicate the GOP's efforts to maintain its slim majorities in Congress, as it risks alienating a key part of Trump's political base.