Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a conference in Jerusalem, July 27, 2025. (Credit: Ronen Zvulun)
BEIRUT — In greetings delivered for the Christmas holiday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Israel is "the only country in the Middle East where the Christian community is thriving."
"Israel is the only country in the Middle East where Christians can freely practice their faith and enjoy all their rights," he said in a video released by his office.
"Israel protects Christians throughout the region, wherever they are victims of widespread intimidation and persecution," Netanyahu said.
"While the Christian population of Israel is growing, it is shrinking in many areas due to systematic discrimination and oppression; this is the case in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and also under the Palestinian Authority," he added.
Netanyahu also stated that the Jerusalem municipality distributes Christmas trees, while "in the Palestinian city of Jenin, Palestinians burned a Christmas tree at the Church of the Holy Redeemer."
The Palestinian Authority police announced Wednesday the arrest of three suspects for arson targeting a Christmas tree and a nativity scene in the church early Monday morning.
The Israeli prime minister also condemned attacks on Christians in Nigeria, a point raised by U.S. President Donald Trump. "Know that Israel will always stand with you," Netanyahu told Christians worldwide.
