In recent days, articles in the Washington Post and in The Guardian make claims about rampant anti-Catholic actions in the West Bank and Old City led by hilltop settlers and rightwing Zionist youth groups. This followed a sensationalized story of abuses of Palestinian prisoners promoted by their leader Itamar Ben-Gvir. The anti-Catholic claims primarily focus on hilltop youth attacks on Tabyeh, the last exclusively Christian community in the West Bank. While broad claims are made, all of the articles only list a few incidents: the burning of a two cars in separate incidents and the harassment of a cement factory. In addition, a nun was knocked over and kicked in the Old City and rightwing Jewish youth groups parade provocatively there. These unacceptable actions are highlighted rather than the Islamic actions that are responsible for the dramatic declines in Gaza and Bethlehem Christians.

While the claims made by The New York Times’ Nicolas Kristof – that dogs were trained to sexually abuse Arab prisoners – can be dismissed, there is no question that treatment of prisoners has been unjustifiably harsh. And an important reason is that the prisons are administrated by Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Ben-Gvir’s role is transparent. He has publicly endorsed harsher treatment for Palestinians and was proud of the worsening conditions of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli facilities, saying, “I am here to ensure that the........

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