Israel blames PA for arson of Jenin Christmas tree; footage emerges of clash at Haifa church event

The Foreign Ministry on Tuesday posted a photo of a Christmas tree that was allegedly torched by Palestinian extremists a day earlier.

“Under the Palestinian Authority, there is growing hostility toward Christians,” the ministry wrote on X, in the latest in a long series of criticisms of the PA.

Holy Redeemer Church in Jenin’s Christmas tree destroyed in arson attack. Under the Palestinian Authority, there is growing hostility toward Christians.

Attacks on Christians, their sites & symbols are unacceptable at all times. Even more so, as we approach Christmas this week. pic.twitter.com/neiDCVA0Z4

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) December 23, 2025

“Attacks on Christians, their sites and symbols are unacceptable at all times. Even more so, as we approach Christmas this week,” the ministry added.

Hours after the tweet, Arabic media reported on an incident that took place earlier this month in Haifa’s Wadi Nisnas neighborhood, where police were filmed making arrests at a Christmas event.

الشرطة الإسرائيلية اقتحمت حي وادي النسناس في حيفا وفضّت احتفالات الميلاد بالقوة، مستخدمة الضرب والمصادرة والاعتقالات، التي طالت بابا نويل ودي جي وصاحب بسطة، وفق شهادات المحتفلين والمفرج عنهم.#حيفا #وادي_النسناس #عيد_الميلاد pic.twitter.com/CAfuRQDS6q

— القدس العربي AlqudsAlarabi (@alqudsalarabi) December 22, 2025

The footage shows cops apprehending a man wearing a Santa Claus outfit.

Arabic media says police told attendees at the event that they were operating to restore public order.

Police say in response to a query that the Haifa incident took place “during a noise-enforcement activity.” They say officers arrested several individuals who “attempted to obstruct their work, assaulted officers, verbally abused them, issued threats, and resisted arrest.”

Three suspects were arrested during the clash, police say.

The force adds that it “categorically rejects allegations of police violence and emphasizes that officers acted lawfully, professionally, and in accordance with procedures.”