Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Mar 20: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stirred fresh controversy after invoking Jesus Christ and Genghis Khan while defending Israel’s military campaign against Iran.

Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem on March 19—his first in English since the conflict began—Netanyahu quoted historian Will Durant, stating that “morality by itself is not enough,” and adding that history shows “Jesus Christ has no advantage over Genghis Khan” if societies fail to defend themselves.

He made the remarks while justifying Israel’s ongoing military operation, “Operation Roaring Lion,” describing it as necessary to counter what he termed an existential threat from Iran.

The comments triggered immediate backlash, with critics accusing Netanyahu of disrespecting Jesus Christ. Social media users described the statement as “blasphemous” and “insulting,” while others alleged he was invoking religion to justify military action.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also criticised the remarks, accusing Netanyahu of showing “open disdain” for Jesus Christ and linking the comments to Israel’s ongoing military actions.

Amid the criticism, Netanyahu later issued a clarification, saying he “did not denigrate Jesus Christ” and was merely citing a historical observation. He added that no offence was intended and stressed that Christians “are protected and flourish in Israel.”

The controversy comes as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, nearing the fourth week. During the same briefing, Netanyahu claimed that Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities had been significantly degraded, while defending joint actions with the United States under Donald Trump to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.