Loading ...Netanyahu’s Christmas Message and Its Dangerous Rhetoric
By: Jamileh Mogin / Arab America Contributing Writer
On December 24, Mr. Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Christians in Israel and abroad for their “steadfast support” during the ongoing war.
This statement reflects the shrewdness of Mr. Netanyahu and his administration, as it implicitly and falsely implies that Christians universally support Israel’s actions in Palestine. The underlying intent appears to be a strategic diversion—shifting the focus of resistance from fighting colonization, occupation, and acts of genocide committed by Israel to fueling animosity against Christians in Palestine and worldwide.
Palestinian Christians in the West Bank and Gaza have endured the same humiliation, killings, and suffering as their Muslim compatriots. These Christian communities have sent numerous letters to Western churches, stating:
“We hold Western church leaders and theologians who rally behind Israel’s wars accountable for their theological and political complicity in the Israeli crimes against the Palestinians, which have been committed over the last 75 years. We call upon them to reexamine their positions and to change their direction, remembering that God ‘will judge the world in justice.’”
This Christian Zionist sect, wielding significant political influence on U.S. policy, regards both Jews and Palestinians as collateral damage in a larger eschatological vision. They believe the creation and support of Israel will hasten a prophesied “end of days” war that will supposedly bring peace on Earth—a perspective many find deeply flawed.
Many Christians in the United States have challenged this sect’s distorted beliefs about Israel and their misinterpretation of God’s and Jesus’ teachings on peace. A striking example of this misunderstanding is Senator Graham’s statement at the July 2024 Christians United for Israel conference: “As a young man in South Carolina, I was raised to understand that God blesses those who bless Israel, and that’s my foreign policy…”
Unfortunately, Senator Graham seems to have overlooked the broader Biblical message of loving all humanity. The atrocities Israel has committed against Palestinians for over 75 years stand in stark contrast to the teachings of the Bible and, undoubtedly, anger God.
However, this sect does not represent all Christians worldwide or in Palestine. On the world stage, Christians, led by the Pope—arguably the most prominent figure in the Christian faith—have been vocal in their criticism of Israel’s actions. The Pope condemned attacks on civilians in Gaza, declaring, “It is war; it is terrorism.” He also called for an investigation into whether genocide is taking place in Gaza.
In March 2024, nations worldwide—both Western and non-Western, and irrespective of religious affiliations—voted unanimously in the United Nations Security Council, 14-0, to adopt a resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. While additional resolutions condemning Israel’s actions have also been passed, Netanyahu’s government consistently dismisses any measures that do not serve its agenda.
Mr. Netanyahu’s Christmas wishes are far from sincere. His actions reveal little regard for Christians as he attempts to reframe the political conflict between Israelis and Palestinians into a religious war. The conflict in Palestine has never been about religion; it has always centered on occupation and the systematic dehumanization of Palestinians. It is essential to remember this and resist any efforts to distract from the core issue at hand.
Check out our blog here!
