Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the ongoing Christian genocide in Nigeria, calling the attacks “unacceptable” and urging an immediate end to the violence.
In his Christmas message on Wednesday, Netanyahu stressed that attacks against Christians or followers of any religion cannot be tolerated. “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 said.
Netanyahu contrasted Israel’s approach to religious freedom with other parts of the Middle East, highlighting that Israel is the only country in the region where Christians can freely practise their faith and celebrate their traditions without fear.
“Israel is the only country in the Middle East where Christians can practise their faith with full rights and in total freedom, where Christian pilgrims are embraced with open arms, and where Christians can celebrate their traditions openly and without fear,” he said.
He also highlighted the decline of Christian populations in other countries, citing Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and areas under the Palestinian Authority. Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, he said, once had an 80% Christian population, which has dropped to 20% under Palestinian Authority control.
Netanyahu drew attention to attacks on Christian symbols, noting that Jerusalem officially distributes Christmas trees every year, while in the Palestinian town of Jenin, a tree at the Holy Redeemer Church was reportedly burned. “That’s the difference. Israel stands up for Christians across the region, wherever they face intimidation and persecution,” he said.
The Prime Minister extended Christmas greetings to Christians worldwide, affirming Israel’s support: “I’m sending Israel’s Christmas blessings to our Christian friends around the world. Know that Israel will always stand with you.”
Netanyahu’s statements follow similar warnings from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently accused the Nigerian government of ignoring attacks on Christians. Trump indicated that the United States could halt all aid to Nigeria and possibly take military action against those responsible for the killings if the violence continues.
