Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for an immediate end to attacks on Christians in Nigeria, describing the violence as unacceptable. He made the remarks during a Christmas message delivered late Wednesday to Christians around the world.
In the message, Netanyahu condemned what he described as growing persecution of Christians globally, singling out Nigeria alongside several Middle Eastern countries. He said violence against people of faith should never be tolerated, regardless of where it occurs.
Netanyahu specifically blamed Islamist militants for attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria, saying such violence must stop without delay. His comments closely echoed the position of US President Donald Trump, one of Israel’s strongest allies, who has repeatedly accused extremist groups of targeting Christians in the country.
“The persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated,” Netanyahu said, adding that militant attacks and displacement of Christians in Nigeria must end “now.”
Israel’s stance places it alongside the United States in framing violence in Nigeria as targeted religious persecution. Other international actors, including the European Union and the Economic Community of West African States, have taken a different approach, describing the crisis as a wider security problem affecting multiple communities rather than a conflict driven solely by religion.
Earlier, Trump re-designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing allegations of widespread persecution of Christians. He also warned that the US could consider military action if Nigerian authorities failed to act decisively, accusing the government of complicity in the violence.
Netanyahu used the Christmas address to stress the historical and spiritual ties between Judaism and Christianity, describing them as closely linked Abrahamic faiths rooted in ancient Israel. While acknowledging theological differences, he said Israel would continue to stand with Christians facing persecution worldwide.
He concluded by reaffirming Israel’s support for religious freedom, saying attacks on any faith community undermine global peace and stability.
The comments come against the backdrop of ongoing regional tensions. In 2023, the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war coincided with deadly clashes in Palestinian territories on Christmas Day, underscoring the fragile state of religious coexistence in conflict zones.
