Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has called for an immediate end to attacks on Christians in Nigeria, condemning what he described as religious persecution in the country and other parts of the world.
Netanyahu made the remarks in a Christmas message shared via his official X handle, where he addressed Christians globally and expressed solidarity with victims of religious violence.
According to him, the persecution of Christians or adherents of any religion should not be tolerated, blaming Islamist militants for attacks against Christian communities in Nigeria.
He said Israel would continue to stand with Christians worldwide, stressing that freedom of worship must be protected everywhere.
While condemning violence in Nigeria, Netanyahu also cited countries in the Middle East, including Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Turkey, where he claimed Christians face persecution.
Drawing a comparison, the Israeli leader said Israel remains the only country in the Middle East where Christians can practise their faith freely and enjoy full rights.
He noted that Christian pilgrims are welcomed and that Christmas celebrations are openly supported, including the annual distribution of Christmas trees in Jerusalem.
Netanyahu contrasted this with what he described as incidents of hostility towards Christian symbols in parts of the Palestinian territories, citing the alleged burning of a Christmas tree in a church in Jenin.
His comments align with similar claims made by United States President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly alleged widespread persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Trump recently redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” and warned of possible military action if the Nigerian government failed to address what he described as targeted killings of Christians.
However, the Nigerian government has rejected the allegations, insisting that the country guarantees freedom of religion and that victims of insecurity cut across religious and ethnic lines.
International organisations, including the European Union and the Economic Community of West African States, have also condemned violence in Nigeria but have largely framed it as a broader security crisis rather than targeted religious persecution.
