Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended his warm wishes for a merry Christmas to Christians globally and expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the Christian community amidst the continuous conflicts faced by the Jewish state.
Netanyahu published a video message on Christmas Eve on his account on the social media platform X.
“To all my dear Christian friends, as you come together with your loved ones this Christmas, I send my heartfelt blessings for a joyous Christmas from the revered Holy Land,” he conveyed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressing a press conference in Jerusalem on September 2, 2024. (OHAD ZWIGENBERG/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
“The people of Israel are united in defending our nation against those bent on our destruction,” he continued. “We seek peace with all those who wish peace with us, but we will do whatever is necessary to defend the one and only Jewish state, the repository and the source of our common heritage.”
There are more than 180,000 Christians who live in Israel, making up about 1.8% of the country’s population of more than 9.9 million people, according to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished Christians worldwide a merry Christmas. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
The Christian population grew by 0.6% last year.
“Israel leads the world in fighting the forces of evil and tyranny, but our battle is not yet over,” the prime minister said. “With your support, and with God’s help, I assure you, we shall prevail. From Jerusalem, city of peace, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
