Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under fire after drawing a controversial comparison between Jesus Christ and Genghis Khan, the founder and first khan of the Mongol Empire.

Netanyahu has made the comparison during a press conference while defending ongoing military actions against Iran.

The remarks, delivered in both Hebrew and English, were made as Netanyahu sought to justify continued military coordination with the United States and warn of the global risks posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

While emphasising the need for strength in confronting perceived threats, the Israeli leader referenced a historical argument suggesting that moral virtue alone is insufficient in the face of aggression.

Paraphrasing American historian Will Durant, Netanyahu said, “History proves that, unfortunately and unhappily, Jesus Christ has no advantage over Genghis Khan. Because if you are strong enough, ruthless enough, powerful enough, evil will overcome good. Aggression will overcome moderation.”

The comparison quickly drew criticism from religious groups and political commentators, many of whom viewed the juxtaposition of Jesus Christ — revered by billions as a symbol of peace — with Genghis Khan, known for his conquests and brutality, as offensive and inappropriate.

Netanyahu later indicated that no offense was intended, suggesting the remark was meant to underscore the dangers of weakness in a hostile world.

The controversy emerged amid heightened tensions over the military conflict involving Iran, which has also divided opinion in the United States. Supporters of the intervention argue it is necessary for national security, while critics warn against deeper involvement in another Middle East conflict without clear objectives or an exit strategy.

During his prepared remarks, Netanyahu praised U.S. President Donald Trump for his role in supporting the campaign.

“President Trump always makes his decisions on what he thinks is good for America, and may I add, I think what is also good for future generations,” Netanyahu said.

“The world owes a debt of deep indebtedness, deep indebtedness, to President Trump for leading this effort to safeguard our future.”

Responding to questions from reporters, Netanyahu doubled down on the need for decisive action, arguing that moral clarity without strength is ineffective in modern geopolitics.

“You know, if people want to be naive, then they don’t see the kind of world we’re living in. In this world, it’s not enough to be moral. It’s not enough to be just. It’s not enough to be right,” he said.

He added that democracies, particularly those led by the United States, must act before threats escalate beyond control.

“So you have no choice. If you look at the world as it is today, you have to be blind not to see that the democracies led by the United States have to reassert their will to defend themselves,” Netanyahu said.

“And to oppose their enemies in time, while there’s still time, before the jarring gong of danger wakes them up and wakes them up too late. This is where we are now.”

The Israeli leader concluded by stressing the need for military strength, warning that failure to act decisively could have dire consequences.

“We have to be armed. We have to be more powerful than the barbarians, or they will not be merely at the gate. They’ll crash our gates and destroy our societies,” he said.

“That’s what Israel is doing now with the United States. And I’m very proud of the fact that the Israeli people are standing strong, that the Israeli army is standing strong.”

Nethanyahu later attempted to play down the comments, stating that he was misquoted after facing backlash online.

“More fake news about my attitude towards Christians, who are protected and flourish in Israel,” Netanyahu said in a statement on X. “Let me be clear: I did not denigrate Jesus Christ at my news conference this evening.”

“To the contrary, I cited the great American historian Will Durant. A fervent admirer of Jesus Christ, Durant stated that morality by itself is not enough to ensure survival,” said Netanyahu.

“the contrary, I cited the great American historian Will Durant. A fervent admirer of Jesus Christ, Durant stated that morality by itself is not enough to ensure survival,” said Netanyahu.

“A morally superior civilisation may still fall to a ruthless enemy if it does not have the power to defend itself,” he concluded. “No offense was meant.”

His comments come amid pressure on the United States and Israel to halt the ongoing war in Iran, with critics citing impacts on the globe and continually deaths through air strikes.
/