Jewish Nationalists Attack Christians in Israel as Netanyahu Government Faces Complicity Claims
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 5
Jewish Nationalists Attack Christians in Israel as Netanyahu Government Faces Complicity Claims
2 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 5
Summary
Christians in Israel say hostility and violence against them have intensified, with attacks centered around Jerusalem holy sites including the area near King David’s tomb and the Dormition Abbey.
Christian residents and clergy say the assailants feel emboldened by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which they accuse of showing little concern as nationalist aggression grows.
Jerusalem’s Old City and surrounding sacred landmarks have become a flashpoint because Jewish, Christian and other religious claims overlap in a tightly contested space.
The allegations deepen scrutiny of Netanyahu’s government by tying street-level attacks on a small religious minority to a broader climate of nationalist intolerance in Israel.
As attacks on Christians in Jerusalem surge, is the government's response a sign of impunity or a deeper societal shift?
With Jerusalem's ultra-Orthodox population growing, what future awaits the city's ancient Christian communities facing escalating attacks?
Documented Escalation of Attacks on Christians in Jerusalem, 2026: Political Drivers and Community Impact
Overview
In 2026, attacks and harassment against Christian communities in Jerusalem have sharply increased, marking a radical worsening since early 2023. This escalation is linked to the current far-right government's perceived support for religious and nationalist extremists, as well as the trauma from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which has fueled negative attitudes toward outsiders. These factors have created a more hostile environment, putting growing pressure on Christians in the city. The Religious Freedom Data Center is actively documenting these incidents and calling for stronger institutional action to ensure the safety and recognition of Christian communities.