ABC News details surge in attacks on Christians in Israel, settler violence in West Bank
The ABC News Live Weekend broadcast opened with domestic headlines including charges against three Pennsylvania youth football coaches after an on-field brawl, a WMO warning of a very strong El Niño through 2027, and gymnast Jordan Chiles' bid for the 2028 LA Olympics. The main segment was an extended report by James Longman on rising assaults against Christians in Israel, linking it to patterns of ultra-nationalist settler violence in the West Bank and tacit support from far-right ministers. It featured interviews with Abbot Nicodemus of Dormition Abbey, who described daily spitting, the April nun assault (acquittal noted), and blamed Itamar Ben-Gvir. A brief segment later reflected on sports' role in national healing 25 years after 9/11. Sourcing combined on-the-ground footage, named interviews with the abbot and Israel's special envoy to Christians George Deek, references to Israel's state broadcaster on a 60%+ rise in attacks, and visuals of settler encampments. The report positioned the issue as part of a pattern affecting Palestinian Christians, with limited counter from officials beyond Deek's defense of dialogue.
Source: ABC News
