The Israeli Prime Minister has met with Christians soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to share his support for their “incredible work”, following controversy regarding the IDF’s operations in Christian villages in Southern Lebanon. 

In a video posted on Sunday, Benjamin Netanyahu said that both men and woman who are Christian soldiers in the IDF “fill all the important positions in our incredible military”. 

Netanyahu highlighted that he was “impressed by their personal stories, their commitment, their sacrifice, their achievements”, and later revealed that the Christian community in Israel is thriving, growing and expanding, in comparison to other parts of the Middle East.  

During the video, the Prime Minister mentioned that this message of support for Christians isn’t reaching people outside of the country. 

"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," he added. 

Netanyahu’s statements have come after Christians in Southern Lebanon reported instances of IDF soldiers targeting their infrastructure earlier this month. 

Premier Christian News previously reported that a statue of Jesus that was desecrated by an Israeli soldier in Southern Lebanon has been replaced by Italian United Nations peacekeepers, and two soldiers involved have been jailed and suspended from duty.