Netanyahu delivers his Christmas message. Photo: Screenshot.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video wishing Christians in the country a merry Christmas.

“Today Christian communities throughout the Middle East are shrinking and many of them are in danger,” said Netanyahu, according to the announcement published by his bureau in Hebrew and English. “…this is of course not true in Israel. Here there is a strong and growing Christian community that participates fully in the life of our country. Israel is proud of its record of religious tolerance and pluralism. Israel will continue to protect freedom of religion for all and we will continue to safeguard Christians places of worship throughout our country.”

The brief message has drawn some controversy for its perceived political tone.

Reports have emerged recently that Christian groups are the most persecuted in the region, corroborating the Prime Minister’s sentiments.

A video of Netanyahu’s message can be viewed below: