'Israel is the one country in the Middle East where the Christian community is thriving', says Netanyahu
The video and statement from Netanyahu came amid controversy over the conduct of several IDF soldiers during operations in Christian villages in southern Lebanon, after one soldier posted footage of himself smashing a public statue of Jesus. Following an investigation, the soldiers were quickly disciplined by the military.
Just a few days later, another video showed IDF engineering equipment destroying solar panels in a Christian village.
Open source intelligence accounts on social media noted several solar panel installations near the Christian village of Debel, some of which are connected to known Hezbollah outposts near other, non-Christian villages.
In both incidents, the IDF promised an investigation, while several prominent Christian leaders who have served in the IDF released statements condemning the actions and demanding that the military act to prevent such behavior.
During the meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu thanked Christian soldiers for their service, and listened as several of the soldiers shared their stories.
“I'm here in the Prime Minister's Office with an extraordinary group of young men and women,” Prime Minister Netanyahu said in a video released during the meeting. “These are Christian soldiers, men and women, in the Israeli Defense Forces. They fill all the important positions in our incredible military and they do incredible work.”
Netanyahu acknowledged the controversy sparked by the actions of some IDF soldiers, but noted that Israel has Christian citizens who serve in the military, defending the nation, and working to bring security even to areas like southern Lebanon.
“This is completely contrary to what is presented outside. It's not only that Israel fights for the rights of Christians around the Middle East, but that Israel has Christian soldiers who fight for the defense of Israel and for our Christian brethren throughout the area, throughout the region and beyond,” Netanyahu claimed.
“I have to say that I was impressed by the personal stories, their commitment, their sacrifice, their achievements,” he continued. “Israel is the one country in the Middle East where the Christian community is thriving, is growing and it's expanding. And it's very, very successful with incredible men and women. And I want to salute all of you.”
Jürgen Bühler, president of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), was also in attendance.
“We were approached a few days ago by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to join a special reception at his office for Christian, mostly Arab soldiers,” Bühler noted.
“I informed the Prime Minister’s Office that there are many evangelical soldiers that are also serving in the army, whose parents are coming from abroad.”
The PMO requested that Bühler “bring as many as possible of them,” adding, “We had the privilege to bring 17 evangelical soldiers into the Prime Minister’s office.”
“Some served in elite units, others as pilots, many fought in Gaza,” Bühler recounted. “He [Netanyahu] was very moved – encouraged by their stories, especially those who come from abroad in our service.”
Bühler told Netanyahu, “These are the modern-day Orde Wingates and Lord Petersons in the IDF.”
“He greeted everyone personally and took time to hear the stories,” Bühler said. “It was a very historic meeting today.”
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Love For His People
Charlotte, NC USA