In Xmas greeting, Netanyahu says Israel is only Mideast country where Christians are ‘thriving’

In his Christmas Eve greeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims that Israel is “the only country in the Middle East where the Christian community is thriving.”

“Israel is the only country in the Middle East where Christians can practice their faith with full rights and in total freedom,” he continues in a video released by his office, “where Christian pilgrims are embraced with open arms and so deeply appreciated.”

Netanyahu stresses that the Jerusalem municipality distributes Christian trees, whereas “in the Palestinian town of Jenin, Palestinians burnt a Christmas tree in the Holy Redeemer Church.”

Palestinian Authority police said today that officers arrested three suspects in the arson attack that targeted a Christmas tree and a nativity scene in the church early Monday.

“Israel stands up for Christians across the region, wherever they face widespread intimidation and persecution,” says Netanyahu. He notes that Israel’s Christian population is growing, while those of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and the Palestinian Authority are shrinking.

Netanyahu also condemns attacks against Christians in Nigeria, something US President Donald Trump has also highlighted.

“Know that Israel will always stand with you,” Netanyahu says to Christians around the world.