“ Persecution of Christians in Nigeria, Must End Immediately “ – Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Warns

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken out against what he described as the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, declaring that violence against people of any faith is unacceptable and must stop immediately.

In a Christmas message released on Wednesday, Netanyahu said attacks on Christians or followers of any religion cannot be tolerated. He urged an end to what he referred to as militant violence and displacement targeting Christian communities in Nigeria.

The Israeli leader used the occasion to highlight Israel’s treatment of Christians, describing the country as the only place in the Middle East where Christians are able to freely practise their faith and celebrate religious traditions without fear. According to him, Israel guarantees full religious rights and protections, welcoming Christian pilgrims and supporting open celebration of Christian festivals.

Netanyahu contrasted Israel’s stance with what he described as a steady decline of Christian populations across parts of the Middle East. He noted that while Israel’s Christian community continues to grow, Christian numbers in countries such as Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and territories under the Palestinian Authority have significantly reduced due to discrimination and persecution.

He cited Bethlehem as a key example, saying the city’s Christian population fell from about 80 per cent to roughly 20 per cent after it came under the control of the Palestinian Authority. Netanyahu also pointed to recent incidents involving Christian symbols, stating that Jerusalem’s municipality distributes Christmas trees annually, while a Christmas tree at the Holy Redeemer Church in Jenin was reportedly set ablaze.

Speaking from Jerusalem, Netanyahu said Israel stands with Christians wherever they face intimidation or persecution, stressing that religious freedom must be protected worldwide. He ended his message by sending Christmas greetings to Christians around the world and reaffirming Israel’s support for them.

The statement comes weeks after former United States President Donald Trump, a close ally of Netanyahu, accused the Nigerian government of failing to address attacks against Christians. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned that the U.S. could suspend aid to Nigeria and even consider military action if the killings continue. He claimed that Washington was prepared to act swiftly against what he described as Islamic militants responsible for the violence, urging Nigerian authorities to take immediate action.