No offense meant by Jesus Genghis Khan comparison, Netanyahu says

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says on X that he “did not denigrate Jesus Christ” in a televised address last night, after a minor firestorm over comments he made regarding the war in Iran.

Citing historian Will Durant, Netanyahu said Thursday evening that “History proves that, unfortunately and unhappily, Jesus Christ has no advantage over Genghis Khan. Because if you are strong enough, ruthless enough, powerful enough, evil will overcome good. Aggression will overcome moderation.”

In a posting in English from his official account on X, Netanyahu reiterates that the idea was Durant’s.

“A fervent admirer of Jesus Christ, Durant stated that morality by itself is not enough to ensure survival,” the post reads. “A morally superior civilization may still fall to a ruthless enemy if it does not have the power to defend itself.”

“No offense was meant,” he adds.

Among those criticizing Netanyahu were Mario Nawfal, a Dubai-based entrepreneur with a large social media following on X.

“Bro… that’s not a flex, that’s a facepalm on steroids,” he chided. “Israel’s already fighting the global optics war, and the PM decides to drop ‘might makes right, Jesus who?’ in the middle of it.”