Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken out against what he described as a genocide of Christians in Nigeria, urging that violence and forced displacement targeting Christian communities be brought to an immediate end.
In a Christmas message released on Wednesday, Netanyahu condemned attacks on individuals because of their religious beliefs, stressing that no faith group should be persecuted anywhere in the world. He singled out Nigeria, saying militant assaults against Christians must stop without delay.
“The persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated,” Netanyahu said. “And the displacement and attacks against Christians in Nigeria, that too must end. And it must end now.”
In the address, Netanyahu portrayed Israel as a safe haven for Christians, describing it as the only country in the Middle East where they can freely practise their faith and observe religious traditions without fear. He contrasted this with what he described as widespread harassment and persecution of Christians in other parts of the region.
“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 are deeply appreciated, where Christians can celebrate their traditions proudly and openly without any fear,” he said.
Netanyahu noted that while Israel’s Christian population continues to grow, Christian communities across several Middle Eastern countries have declined sharply due to discrimination and oppression. He cited Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and territories under the Palestinian Authority, drawing particular attention to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus.
“The birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem, used to have an 80 per cent Christian population. That’s when we were there. When we left and gave it to the Palestinian Authority, it has since dwindled from 80 per cent to 20 per cent,” he claimed.
He also compared the treatment of Christian symbols, stating that Jerusalem’s municipal authorities officially distribute Christmas trees every year, while a Christmas tree was recently set ablaze in Jenin.
“In Jerusalem, the city municipality every year officially distributes Christmas trees. It’s been doing so for two decades,” he said. “By contrast, a few days ago, in the Palestinian town of Jenin, Palestinians burnt a Christmas tree in the Holy Redeemer Church.”
“That’s the difference. Israel stands up for Christians across the region, wherever they face widespread intimidation and persecution,” Netanyahu added.
He concluded the message by extending Christmas greetings to Christians around the world.
Netanyahu’s comments come weeks after United States President Donald Trump accused the Nigerian government of failing to stop the killing of Christians. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned that the United States could suspend aid to Nigeria and even consider military action if the attacks continued.
