Netanyahu Defends Israel Amid Global Criticism of Treatment of Minorities

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara participated in a cornerstone-laying ceremony for a monument honoring Christian Arabic speakers who fell in service, located in the Lavie Forest near the Golani Junction. In his address, Netanyahu strongly criticized what he termed a "false and absurd global attack" that falsely accuses Israel and the IDF, which he described as the "most moral army in the world," of war crimes and persecuting minorities.

Netanyahu emphasized that while Christian communities in the Middle East are often persecuted or flee their homes, Israel serves as a haven of tolerance where Christians thrive. "We have come today to shatter this great lie," he stated, adding that "not only do we protect Christians, but Christians protect us, all together."

The ceremony marked the beginning of construction for the monument dedicated to Christian soldiers and police officers who were Arabic speakers and served in Israeli security forces. The monument is situated in the Lavie Forest, a location chosen for its proximity to the Golani Junction, a significant national site.