Outrage Erupts After Netanyahu Compares Jesus to Genghis Khan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing backlash from various quarters for invoking Jesus Christ while discussing the war with Iran. Netanyahu compared Jesus to the founder and first leader (khan) of the Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan.
In a televised speech on Thursday (19/3), as reported by Anadolu, Netanyahu stated: “Jesus Christ has no advantage over Genghis Khan. Because if you are strong enough, cruel enough, powerful enough, evil will defeat good. Aggression will defeat moderation.”
Netanyahu’s remarks relate to the Middle East conflict, which has intensified since Israel and the United States (US) launched joint attacks on Iran on 28 February, killing more than 1,200 people to date, including the then Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to global markets and aviation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described Netanyahu’s comments as an extraordinary insult to Jesus Christ in the context of the Middle East conflict.
“For a man who relies heavily on the goodwill of Christians in the United States, Netanyahu’s open insult to Jesus Christ (PBUH) is extraordinary,” Araghchi wrote on X, posting a video featuring Netanyahu’s statement.
Netanyahu’s “boundless praise” for Genghis Khan, “the worst butcher our region has ever seen,” also aligns with his current status as a fugitive war criminal, Araghchi added.
Netanyahu’s statement has triggered a wave of criticism on social media, particularly from Christians angered by the comparison between Jesus—whom they regard as the incarnate God and “Prince of Peace”—and Genghis Khan, the 13th-century founder of the Mongol Empire whose forces devastated Asia from China to the Mediterranean.
Munther Isaac, a Palestinian Lutheran pastor from Bethlehem, believed to be Jesus’ birthplace, stated on X that Netanyahu’s remarks were “offensive on multiple levels.”
“It’s not just comparing Jesus to Genghis Khan,” he wrote, as reported by AFP on Saturday (21/3), “but also implying that Jesus’ way is naive, while a cruel approach and ‘might makes right’… is what ultimately allows good to defeat evil.”
“Netanyahu, and his Christian Zionist supporters, are mocking Jesus’ ethics,” he added.
Netanyahu Denies Belittling Jesus
Netanyahu rejected accusations that he intended to offend Christians when stating that Jesus Christ has no advantage over Genghis Khan. Netanyahu denied insulting Jesus.
“More fake news about my stance towards Christians, who are protected and thriving in Israel. Let me clarify: I did not belittle Jesus Christ in my press conference,” Netanyahu wrote in English on X, as reported by AFP on Saturday (21/3).
“On the contrary, I quoted the great American historian Will Durant. A devoted admirer of Jesus Christ, Durant stated that morality alone is not enough to ensure survival,” he added.
“A morally superior civilisation can still fall to a ruthless enemy if it lacks the strength to defend itself. No intent to offend,” he wrote.