Israel contrasts Christian growth with regional decline as suspects take cover in Bethlehem church
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Israel is the only country in the Middle East where the Christian population is growing, speaking alongside his German counterpart Johann Wadephul during joint remarks in Berlin. “Across the Middle East the picture is very different,” Sa’ar stated on Tuesday.
Sa’ar noted that Israel’s Christian population has risen from about 34,000 in 1950 to more than 188,000 today. He contrasted that trend with developments elsewhere in the region, including the city of Bethlehem, which he noted was once 85% Christian but has declined to about 10% under the Palestinian Authority.
His remarks coincided with reports of unrest in Bethlehem, where Palestinian suspects reportedly threw Molotov cocktails and fled to a church. A video circulating online appears to show worshippers attempting to block their entry, shouting at them to leave. The IDF told The Times of Israel “two terrorists threw a Molotov cocktail and stones at a road near the village and then fled to a church compound,” adding that forces were carrying out searches near the church and operating in the area.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
