Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu wishes a Merry Christmas to Christians around the world

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished Christians around the world a Merry Christmas and thanked the Christian community for its support amid the Jewish state’s ongoing clashes with terrorist groups.

Netanyahu posted a video message on his X social media account on Christmas Eve.

“My dear Christian friends, as you gather with your family and friends this Christmas, I wish the Christian community in Israel and around the world a Merry Christmas from the Holy Land,” he said.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a meeting with Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Friday, July 26, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

This comes as Israeli forces were engaged in ongoing conflicts against terrorist groups, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon following Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7, 2023, which led to military retaliation by Israel.

“At a time when Israel is fighting on seven fronts, we deeply appreciate the unwavering support of our Christian friends around the world. You have stood by us, you have stood by us resiliently, consistently, strongly as Israel defends our civilization against barbarism,” Netanyahu said.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a news 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 who seek our destruction,” he continued. “We seek peace with all those who seek peace with us, but we will do whatever it takes to defend the one and only Jewish state, the repository and source of our common heritage.”

There are more than 180,000 Christians living in Israel, making up about 1.8% of the country’s population of more than 9.9 million people, according to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished Christians around the world a Merry Christmas. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

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The Christian population grew by 0.6 percent last year.

“Israel is leading the world in the fight against the forces of evil and tyranny, but our battle is not over yet,” the prime minister said. “With your support and God’s help, I assure you, we will win. From Jerusalem, the city of peace, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”