Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished Christians around the world a Merry Christmas and thanked the Christian community for support amid the Jewish state’s ongoing conflict with terrorist groups.
Netanyahu published a video message on his account on the social media platform X on Christmas Eve.
He said, “My dear Christian friends, as you gather with your families and friends this Christmas, I wish Israel and the Christian community around the world a Merry Christmas from the Holy Land.”
Netanyahu warned Houthi rebels amid calls for Israel to eliminate the terrorist leadership, as was the case with Nasrallah, Sinwar.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a meeting with Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
This comes as Israeli forces have been involved in the ongoing conflict against terrorist groups including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 surprise attack, which led to military retaliation from Israel.
“At a time when Israel is fighting on seven fronts, we deeply appreciate the steadfast support of our Christian friends around the world. You have stood by our side, you have stood by our side flexibly, persistently, strongly because Israel is protecting our civilization against barbarism, Netanyahu said.
Israeli air strikes target Yemen’s Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa, port city Hodeida
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a news conference in Jerusalem on September 2, 2024. (Ohad Zweigenberg/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
He added, “The people of Israel stand united in defending our nation against those bent on our destruction.” “We seek peace with all who seek peace with us, but we will do whatever is necessary to defend the only Jewish state, the repository and source of our common heritage.”
According to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, there are more than 180,000 Christians living in Israel, about 1.8% of the country’s population of more than 9.9 million.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended Christmas greetings to Christians around the world. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
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The Christian population grew by 0.6% last year.
“Israel leads the world in fighting the forces of evil and tyranny, but our fight is not over yet,” the prime minister said. “With your support, and with God’s help, I assure you, we will prevail. From Jerusalem, the city of peace, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
