Netanyahu Highlights Christian Prosperity in Israel Amid Global Campaign

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced a "global lying campaign" targeting Israel and the IDF during a ceremony marking the start of construction for a memorial to fallen Arab Christian soldiers. The event, held in the Lavi Forest in northern Israel, was attended by his wife, Sara Netanyahu.

Netanyahu stated that a "false and absurd global campaign" falsely accuses Israel and the IDF, which he called "the most moral army in the world," of war crimes and persecuting minorities. He asserted that Israel is unique in the Middle East for its treatment of minorities, describing it as an "island of progress, tolerance, and security" in a region characterized by "hostility, extremism, and persecution of others."

He specifically mentioned Israel's intervention in Sweida, Syria, to prevent what he termed a "total massacre" of Druze people and pledged continued efforts for their protection. Regarding Christians, Netanyahu declared, "The State of Israel is the only place in the Middle East where the Christian community is prospering and growing." He contrasted this with other regional countries where, he claimed, Christians face persecution, forced emigration, or massacres.

The Prime Minister viewed the memorial ceremony itself as a response to accusations against Israel. "We don't just protect Christians: Christians protect us all, together," he said, referencing the Arab Christian community members who served in Israeli security forces and will be honored by the memorial.