# Religious tensions involving Christians in Israel > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/religious-tensions-involving-christians-in-israel > Updated: 2026-08-14T06:13:23.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. Christians in Israel have reported rising fears of religious harassment, including verbal and physical hostility such as spitting and attacks on religious figures in Jerusalem’s Old City. These tensions are attributed to regional conflicts and increased polarization following the October 7, 2023, attacks. While some community members in northern Israel have expressed concerns regarding insufficient state protection, interfaith leaders have noted progress through improved policing and the appointment of a government envoy to the Christian community. In response to media reports portraying the community as increasingly harassed, Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected such characterizations, calling them “disingenuous, misleading and shameful.” The ministry argued that reports focused on isolated incidents while ignoring the growing Christian population and its representation in national institutions. To counter what it describes as misinformation, the ministry highlighted the appointment of George Deek as the first Special Envoy to the Christian World. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-14: Christians in Israel report rising fears of religious harassment Christian minorities in Israel report rising fears of religious harassment and physical attacks amid regional instability, though some leaders see hope in improved policing and interfaith support. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/christians-in-israel-report-rising-fears-of-religious-harassment ### 2026-08-07: Israel's Foreign Ministry Defends Christian Community After WSJ Report Israel’s Foreign Ministry denounced a WSJ story on Christian harassment, citing growth of its Christian community and launching a special envoy to counter misinformation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/israels-foreign-ministry-defends-christian-community-after-wsj-report --- Cite as: Religious tensions involving Christians in Israel. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/religious-tensions-involving-christians-in-israel