By Micah Jonah
January 18, 2026
Senior Christian leaders in Jerusalem have issued a warning against external interference, they say is threatening the unity and future of Christianity in the Holy Land, singling out “Christian Zionism” and political actors linked to Israel.
In a statement on Saturday, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem said activities promoting “damaging ideologies, such as Christian Zionism,” mislead the public, create confusion, and undermine church authority. They accused some political actors in Israel and abroad of supporting agenda that could weaken the Christian presence across the region.
Church officials expressed concern over Israel’s policies, including land confiscation, settlement expansion, and restrictions on church property, which they said are eroding one of the world’s oldest Christian communities.
They also highlighted that Christian Zionists in the United States influence political and financial support for Israel, which critics say marginalizes Palestinian Christians and historic churches.
The Patriarchs said individuals promoting these agenda have been “welcomed at official levels locally and internationally,” calling it interference in church affairs. They stressed the urgent need to protect Christian communities and places of worship in the West Bank, where settler attacks increasingly target churches, property, and people.
The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine condemned Israeli restrictions preventing West Bank teachers from reaching schools in East Jerusalem, noting that the measures have disrupted lessons for hundreds of students and weakened Christian educational institutions. The committee said the permit regime and military checkpoints amount to collective punishment, violate international law.
Officials reported that at least 171 teachers and staff have been affected by permit suspensions or severe restrictions, warning that these measures form part of a broader policy aimed at undermining Palestinian education and the Christian presence in Jerusalem.
