Chris Mitchell has spent over three decades as a journalist, reporting on Israel and the Middle East for CBN News. As the host of Jerusalem Dateline, he provides firsthand accounts of historical events and critical developments in the region. Since joining CBN News in 1992, he has interviewed personalities from foreign dignitaries to Israeli and Christian leaders, developing insights into the challenges and triumphs of Israel.
Over his career, Mitchell has conducted hundreds of interviews. Among the most memorable, he says, is David Friedman. Mitchell says the former U.S. Ambassador to Israel is "so articulate and such a brilliant thinker." Friedman’s connection to Israel, rooted in his faith and his role in the Abraham Accords, left a lasting impression.
Another standout moment was an interview with Dave Eubank, conducted in a trench under the looming threat of ISIS snipers. "If you stuck your head up for 30 seconds or more, you could get shot," Mitchell says. Eubank’s unwavering love and prayer for the very people who had committed horrific acts stood out as a powerful testament to faith and forgiveness.
Living in Israel for decades has given Mitchell a unique perspective on the differences between American and Israeli culture. "It’s a little bit more raw here and it feels a little more real," he says. He describes the daily inconveniences that Americans may take for granted, such as the efficiency of setting up utilities, which can take an hour in the U.S. but is a prolonged process in Israel. Yet, despite the challenges, Mitchell finds himself increasingly at home in Israel. "I've described it sometimes like living here is like walking with a pebble in your shoe. But over time, the pebble gets smaller."
Mitchell sees Israel not just as a modern nation but as the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. "Isaiah said the Jewish people would come back after 2,000 years. We are living to see the return of the Jewish people from the four corners of the earth," he says.
Covering events like the arrival of Jewish immigrants at Ben-Gurion Airport, he witnesses scripture unfolding before his eyes. He vividly remembers the U.S. embassy’s move to Jerusalem in 2018, an event he describes as "amazing—sort of like a biblical prophecy unfolding."
For Mitchell, the role of religion in Israel’s geopolitical landscape is undeniable. He notes that while the nation is a battleground in the struggle for Western civilization, it also serves as the "tip of the spear" against radicalized Islamist groups. "Hamas openly states in their charter that they want to annihilate the state of Israel," he says. The Oct. 7 attack, he believes, escalated this ongoing conflict to a new level, making it a turning point similar to the Intifada of the early 2000s but with even higher stakes.
Mitchell says he observed a shift in U.S.-Israel relations during the Trump Administration, particularly after President Trump’s private meeting with Palestinian leaders. "I think he actually, for once, took them to the woodshed, behind closed doors. I think that changed his perspective on the Palestinian Authority." Mitchell says he believes that Trump’s policies, including the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, marked a departure from past administrations and reinforced the bond between the two nations.
Mitchell says his prayer for America is that it remains "a shining city on a hill," that it stays true to its founding values, and that it stands firmly with Israel. "Those who bless Israel will be blessed," he says, quoting Genesis 12. He sees figures like former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who is nominated to become the next U.S. Ambassador to Israel, as instrumental in strengthening the bond.
For Mitchell, his work is more than journalism—it’s a mission. He says his reporting seeks to uncover truth, frame events through a biblical lens, and remind the world of the deep spiritual and historical significance of Israel. Through conflicts, miracles, and the ever-present weight of history, he says he remains committed to telling Israel’s story with clarity and conviction.
