Israeli PM Netanyahu wishes citizens, pledges for peace

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished the people of Israel by posting his Christmas greetings on Facebook, on Sunday night.

According to Al-Jazeera, addressing the video message, Netanyahu said, "It's a pleasure for me, on Christmas eve, to be here, standing in Jerusalem, the holy city. I also promise Christians around the world to personally welcome them to Israel and give them a tour of the country's holy sites."

"I'm very proud to be the prime minister of Israel. A country that says Merry Christmas, first to its Christian citizens, and to our Christian friends around the world," added Netanyahu.

The Israeli leader pledged for peace and unity to be achieved in the country and warned people to not fall prey to anti-social rumours.

Security has been beefed up at various churches across Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Bethlehem.