Israeli Christian leader Shadi Khalloul and US Jewish commentator Josh Hammer rejected claims on Monday that Israel oppresses Christians, pushing back during a discussion in northern Israel.
The event took place at David’s Harp Hotel, where both speakers accused far-right commentators in the United States of spreading false claims about Israel and Christians.
Khalloul, founder of the Israeli Christian Aramaic Association, said support from Christians worldwide remains essential for Israel. He also accused Qatar of using media influence to damage Israel’s reputation.
Meanwhile, Khalloul criticised Tucker Carlson for alleging that Israel persecutes Christians. He said he invited Carlson in February to visit Christian communities and holy sites in Israel, but received no reply.
Khalloul said Christians face greater risks in Muslim-majority areas such as the West Bank than inside Israel. However, he also criticised attacks by what he called “Jewish extremists” in the West Bank, saying they harm Israel’s image.
He said those incidents do not represent most Israelis. He also said he was helping develop a town for Aramaic Christians, which he argued only Israel could make possible.
Read: Israel Mossad Chief Takes Office With Iran In Focus
Hammer, senior editor-at-large at Newsweek and host of “The Josh Hammer Show,” said antisemitism had grown on parts of the American political right. He described the trend as an effort to weaken the West’s Judeo-Christian alliance.
He also criticised Carlson and Candace Owens, accusing them of undermining US interests and spreading anti-Israel narratives after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.
Hammer said claims that Israel blocks Christian worship or targets churches often spread online without context. He said such claims ignore Hamas’ alleged use of civilian and religious sites during the conflict.
