While attacks on Messianic Jews and Evangelical Christians in Israel by Orthodox Jews are on the increase, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently came out strongly supporting Christians, Israel 365 New reports.

He made the comments while addressing an online conference featuring 400 Christian leaders sponsored by the founder of Friends of Zion, Mike Evans.

“I’m a great champion of devout Christians because devout Christians are the greatest champions of the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said.

With the growing concerns about the increasing attacks on Christians in Israel, Netanyahu was asked if it was safe for Americans to visit. While acknowledging there were issues, Netanyahu added it is just a small minority of Jews who are causing problems, and added this humorous story:

“I heard two  American friends talking,” Netanyahu said. “And one of them said, is it safe to go to Israel? And the other answered, ‘Well, you know, once you get past JFK Airport, it’s fine’.”

Many Christians look upon Israel’s restoration as a nation in 1948 as a critical signpost leading up to Christ’s second coming.

In his commentary on the Book of Revelation written 300 years ago, famed scientist, Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) addressed Israel’s restoration calling it a necessary step in fulfillment of end-times prophecy writing:

“The ruin of the wicked nations, the end of weeping and of all troubles, the return of the Jews (from) captivity and their setting up of a flourishing and everlasting kingdom.”

“At that time is also predicted the end of the king of the North, the fall of the great Apostacy, the return of the Jewish captivity and the great tribulation…”

Of course, included in this is a prediction by the Apostle Paul that one day all of Israel would accept Jesus as the Jewish Messiah (Romans 11:26).

READ: Netanyahu: ‘Devout Christians are greatest champions of the State of Israel’