I suspect he's just the usual Hollyweird ignoramus

I keep having to remind myself that actors, though they think their incomes give them some intellectual weight, are often just fluffheads. Indeed, that's the only excuse I can find for Richard Gere's conduct:

A pro-peace group is hoping that a potent mix of Hollywood glamour and religion will motivate Palestinians to vote in next week's presidential elections -- and their star attraction is actor Richard Gere. The only problem is that Gere's co-stars are on record as supporting suicide bombing, anti-Jewish genocide, and eradication of Israel.

I'd hate to think Gere's not merely stupid and ill-informed but, instead, that he actively supports his malevolent cohorts.