Overview
- At a March 19 briefing in Jerusalem, Benjamin Netanyahu quoted Will Durant in saying Jesus Christ has no advantage over Genghis Khan to argue that power often decides outcomes.
- The clip spread widely online, drawing accusations of an anti‑Christian slur and criticism from religious figures, including Palestinian pastor Munther Isaac.
- Netanyahu posted a clarification on X, asserting he did not denigrate Jesus, stressing the line was Durant’s, and writing that no offense was intended.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the remarks on X as showing open disdain for Jesus and used them to attack Netanyahu politically.
- In the same wartime update, Netanyahu claimed Iran’s ability to enrich uranium and produce ballistic missiles had been degraded and linked his argument to the need for decisive strength.