Netanyahu Slams Global 'Lie' Portraying IDF as War Criminals

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Wednesday that the world is "swept up in a lie," falsely portraying the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as an army committing war crimes. Speaking at a cornerstone-laying ceremony for a monument to fallen Arab Christian soldiers in the Lavie Forest near the Golani Junction, Netanyahu addressed international criticism of Israel and its treatment of minorities.

"We are under a global attack on the State of Israel and the IDF," Netanyahu declared. He described the accusation that Israel and the IDF commit war crimes as "the greatest absurdity" given that the IDF is "the most moral army in the world." He also refuted claims that Israel persecutes minorities, instead presenting Israel as "an island of progress, an island of tolerance, an island of security" in the Middle East.

Netanyahu highlighted Israel's actions in Sweida, Syria, stating, "We recently fought in Sweida to save our Druze brethren from complete slaughter, and we protect them today." He specifically addressed the Christian community, asserting that Israel is the "only place in the Middle East" where Christians "flourish and grow," contrasting this with other regional locations where they are "persecuted, emigrate, or are slaughtered."

He attributed the international criticism to "the big lie" that is repeated until it is accepted as truth. "Therefore, we came today to shatter this lie, and we are shattering it by this very ceremony," Netanyahu said. He concluded by acknowledging the contributions of Christians to Israel, noting that "Christians defend us! Everyone together."