Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has joined the intensifying global debate over alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria, warning that attacks on worshippers of any faith must stop immediately.
Netanyahu made the remarks on Wednesday during his Christmas message, where he condemned what he described as persistent assaults and displacement of Christians, particularly in parts of Nigeria, insisting that religious persecution was unacceptable in the modern world.
His comments come amid growing international controversy over claims that Christians are being systematically targeted in Nigeria. In recent months, some United States lawmakers, with the backing of former President Donald Trump, have alleged that Christians are being persecuted for their faith, a position the Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected.
Despite the pushback from Abuja, the Trump administration designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom violations, a move that drew widespread attention. The designation was accompanied by strong rhetoric, including threats of possible military intervention to halt what was described as mass killings of Christians.
A US congressional delegation recently visited Nigeria to investigate reports of attacks, with particular focus on violence in the Middle Belt. However, no official policy direction has so far been announced following the visit.
Breaking Israel’s silence on the matter, Netanyahu used his Christmas address to restate Israel’s position on religious freedom, portraying the country as a safe haven for Christians in the Middle East.
From Jerusalem, he extended festive greetings to Christians around the world, noting that Israel remained a place where Christian communities could practise their faith freely and without fear, with full rights and state protection.
Turning specifically to Nigeria, the Israeli leader said persecution of Christians or adherents of any religion could not be justified under any circumstances. He described militant attacks and displacement of Christians as intolerable, declaring that such violence “must end, and it must end now”.
