'Israeli' Christmas propaganda falls flat as internet exposes the truth

A post by pro-'Israeli' online commentator Eyal Yakoby claiming that 'Israel' is “the only country in the Middle East” where Christmas can be seen drew widespread criticism this week, with people accusing him of erasing the hardships faced by Palestinian Christians living under occupation.

Christmas in Israel.

The only country in the Middle East that you will see this. pic.twitter.com/zPT1j9XwKp

— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) December 6, 2025

Yakoby shared the message on X alongside a video of Christmas decorations, presenting 'Israel' as a safe haven for Christian celebrations in the region. Critics quickly pushed back, pointing out that the footage does not represent the reality for Christian Palestinians, particularly those in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus and the heart of global Christmas traditions.

- Bethlehem is not in 'Israel' -

Commentators noted that the post was misleading on a basic geographical level. Bethlehem lies in the occupied West Bank, not inside 'Israel', and remains accessible only through 'Israeli' military checkpoints. These restrictions intensify during holidays, limiting the movement of Palestinian Christians at a time when the city typically relies on seasonal tourism.

Today Palestinians lit the Bethlehem Christmas tree.

From the land of Christianity, Palestine and from the town of Jesus, Bethlehem, we wish peace upon the world  pic.twitter.com/pvKeXrpqzl

— State of Palestine (@Palestine_UN) December 7, 2025

Bethlehem is a city located in the West Bank, Palestine. It is not in Israel. Israel has illegally occupied the West Bank since 1967, in violation international law.

— Prof Zenkus (@anthonyzenkus) December 7, 2025

This is Bethlehem in the West Bank, part of Palestine, that after 2 years, finally gets to celebrate Christmas as it has for centuries well before the creation of the modern zionist state of Israel, you lying and conniving serpent.

Meanwhile in Israel, the Great Rabbinate… pic.twitter.com/ee2gu7vshB

— Enior (@EniorJimenez) December 7, 2025

Eyal can’t stop lying, this is not Israel.

This video was filmed in Bethlehem, Palestine.

Palestinians celebrated Christmas after two years of not celebrating it because of Israel.

— Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws1) December 7, 2025

- Holiday restrictions and clashes at holy sites -

Christian communities and clergy have long reported confrontations with 'Israeli' authorities during major holidays. Easter celebrations in Jerusalem routinely see worshippers blocked or pushed back by police outside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, with church leaders condemning what they describe as unnecessary force.

Similar concerns are raised at Christmas, when many Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank are denied permits to enter Jerusalem or Bethlehem, separating families and preventing access to religious sites.

Read more: 'Israel' blocks Christians from reaching Jerusalem on Palm Sunday

- Critics call Yakoby’s post “misleading” -

Analysts say Yakoby’s claim that 'Israel' is the “only country in the Middle East” where Christmas celebrations exist ignores the reality of long-established Christian communities in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, and Iraq.

Who said that?!
Christmas vibes r everywhere in Egypt pic.twitter.com/bRmB4EfTL0

— Sahar (@Sahar_Ezzo) December 7, 2025

Is there nothing you won't lie about? You know this is in the occupied West Bank, not in Israel. And you know there are similar Christmas festivals in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.

You're making an entire career out of lying. I don't know how you can live with yourself.

— Frances 'Cassandra' Coppola (@Frances_Coppola) December 7, 2025

To be clear, those are indigenous Palestinians celebrating, despite you, not because of you. Every Christian community in every Arab country celebrates in the same way. Here’s a sampling of photos. pic.twitter.com/khDvhY05GH

— susan abulhawa | سوزان ابو الهوى (@susanabulhawa) December 6, 2025

This week in Amman, Jordan. You know we Arabs have smartphones, right? pic.twitter.com/4kfPhqSh5D

— Amer Zahr (@AmerZahr) December 6, 2025

Forget the fact that this is a video of Palestinian Christians celebrating Christmas in Bethlehem

Here’s some footage out of Lebanon that should shred your narrative to pieces

Man you should learn how to lie this is getting boring pic.twitter.com/xgoJC94C87

— Walid (@Angrylebanese) December 7, 2025