Yes, Scripture says that God blinded Israel, but not as though He closed the eyes of innocent people who wanted the truth.
God had patiently reached for Israel:
“But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.”
Romans 10:21
Israel was given light, but as a nation rejected that light and refused her Messiah. Paul plainly identifies the cause:
“Because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:”
Romans 11:20
God established the consequences of unbelief. Light received prepares the heart for more light. Light continually rejected leaves the heart unable to see. Therefore, Scripture can truthfully say that God blinded Israel, while still holding Israel responsible for rejecting Christ.
They would not see, until they could not see.
Yet God turned even this judgment into mercy:
“Through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.”
Romans 11:11
God did not blind Israel because Gentiles were more worthy. Gentiles are wild branches grafted into blessings they did not create. We stand only by faith and have no reason to boast against the natural branches.
Neither has God abandoned Israel. Her blindness is only “in part” and lasts only “until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (Romans 11:25). Even now, any Jewish person may turn to Christ:
“Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.”
2 Corinthians 3:16
National blindness does not cancel the individual invitation.
One day the appointed season of the Gentiles will be complete. God will turn Israel’s attention to her Deliverer and fulfill every promise He made:
“And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer.”
Romans 11:26
Did God blind Israel?
Yes. But Israel’s blindness was not an act of injustice. It was the righteous consequence of rejected light. And even that judgment became part of a greater work of mercy.
Rejected light became blindness.
Israel’s fall opened the door to the Gentiles.
Mercy shown to the Gentiles now calls Israel home.
And when the Deliverer comes, the whole world will know:
“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”
Romans 11:29