Netanyahu Urges End to Attacks on Christians in Nigeria and Worldwide

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for an immediate halt to attacks on Christians in Nigeria and across the globe.

In a Christmas message shared via his official X handle, Netanyahu condemned religious persecution, saying, “The persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated, and Muslim militant displacement and attacks against Christians in Nigeria, that too must end, and it must end now.”

He also referenced Middle Eastern countries such as Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey, highlighting alleged persecution of Christians in those regions. Netanyahu stressed that Israel remains a safe haven for Christians, noting that the country allows the practice of faith freely and celebrates Christian traditions openly, including distributing Christmas trees annually in Jerusalem.

Contrasting Israel’s approach with incidents elsewhere, he cited the burning of a Christmas tree in the Holy Redeemer Church in Jenin as an example of ongoing persecution.

Netanyahu’s statements align closely with those of US President Donald Trump, who recently designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over allegations of Christian persecution. Trump also warned of potential military action if Nigeria failed to address the situation.

The Nigerian government has denied claims of targeted attacks on Christians, asserting that victims of violence in the country cut across religious lines and that all citizens’ rights to practice their faith are respected.