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Benjamin Netanyahu has triggered a controversy during a wartime press conference after invoking Jesus Christ and Genghis Khan, prompting backlash online and sharp criticism from Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem. (AP photo)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 20, 2026 20:02 IST
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has triggered a fresh controversy after he invoked Jesus Christ and Genghis Khan in a remark that drew sharp reactions online and from Iranian officials. The remarks were made during his first English-language press conference since the start of the ongoing Iran conflict.
Speaking in Jerusalem on March 19, Netanyahu quoted historian Will Durant to argue that “morality by itself is not enough,” adding that history shows “Jesus Christ has no advantage over Genghis Khan” if societies fail to defend themselves. The comment came as he justified Israel’s military campaign, “Operation Roaring Lion,” against Iran, describing it as essential to counter what he called an existential threat.
The remark quickly sparked backlash, with critics accusing him of disrespecting Jesus Christ. Several social media users called the statement “blasphemous” and “insulting,” while others accused him of using religion to justify military action.
Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Netanyahu of showing “open disdain” for Jesus Christ and linking his comments to Israel’s ongoing military actions.
Facing the criticism, Netanyahu later issued a clarification on social media, saying he “did not denigrate Jesus Christ” and was merely citing Durant’s historical observation. He stressed that “no offense was meant” and reiterated that Christians “are protected and flourish in Israel.”
The controversy comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, now in its third week. In the same press conference, Netanyahu claimed that Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities had been significantly degraded, though he did not repeat earlier assertions that Tehran had lost all ability to enrich uranium.
He also defended joint actions with the United States under President Donald Trump, saying both countries were acting to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and threatening global security.
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Published On:
Mar 20, 2026 20:02 IST
