Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for an immediate end to attacks on Christians in Nigeria and elsewhere, condemning what he described as the persecution of Christians and followers of other religions.
Netanyahu made the remarks in a video message shared on his official X account as part of his Christmas greetings to Christians worldwide.
“The persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated. The displacement and attacks against Christians by Muslim militants in Nigeria must end, and it must end now,” he said.
While condemning global attacks on Christians, Netanyahu highlighted countries in the Middle East, including Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey, where Christians face ongoing threats. Echoing the stance previously taken by former US President Donald Trump, he reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to standing with Christians around the world.
“Israel is the only country in the Middle East where Christians can freely practice their faith, where Christian pilgrims are welcomed and appreciated, and where traditions are celebrated openly and without fear. In Jerusalem, the city municipality has officially distributed Christmas trees every year for the past two decades.
“By contrast, just a few days ago in the Palestinian town of Jenin, Palestinians burned a Christmas tree at the Holy Redeemer Church. That is the difference,” he added.
Netanyahu’s remarks align Israel with the United States in framing the violence in Nigeria as religious persecution. In contrast, international bodies such as the European Union and the Economic Community of West African States have condemned the violence while describing it as a broader security issue rather than targeted attacks against a specific faith.
Recently, Trump re-designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged Christian genocide and warned of potential military action if the Nigerian government failed to respond decisively.
The Nigerian government has rejected these claims, insisting that the nation respects freedom of religion and that victims of violence span across different faiths rather than being targeted solely for their religion.
