Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken publicly on the continued killings and displacement of Christians in Nigeria, describing the situation as a genocide and calling for an immediate end to the violence.
Netanyahu made the remarks in a Christmas message released on Wednesday, where he condemned attacks against Christians and other religious groups, stressing that such actions should not be accepted anywhere in the world.
His comments place fresh international attention on Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, particularly in regions where Christian communities have been repeatedly targeted.
In the address, the Israeli leader specifically mentioned Nigeria, urging that what he described as militant assaults on Christians must stop without delay.
He warned that ongoing violence and forced displacement threaten the existence of vulnerable religious communities.
“The persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated. And the displacement and attacks against Christians in Nigeria, that too must end. And it must end now,” he said.
Netanyahu also used the message to present Israel as a safe place for Christians in the Middle East.
According to him, Israel remains the only country in the region where Christians are able to practise their faith freely, celebrate religious festivals openly, and live without fear of persecution.
“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 so deeply appreciated, where Christians can celebrate their traditions proudly and openly do so without any fear,” Netanyahu said.
He contrasted this with what he described as a steady decline of Christian populations in several Middle Eastern countries.
Netanyahu blamed discrimination, intimidation, and oppression for the shrinking presence of Christians in places such as Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and territories under the Palestinian Authority.
The Israeli prime minister also spoke on Bethlehem, widely recognised as the birthplace of Jesus, claiming the city has witnessed a major demographic change since it came under Palestinian Authority control.
“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 said.
Netanyahu further highlighted what he described as the difference in how Christian symbols are treated.
He noted that Jerusalem’s municipal authorities officially distribute Christmas trees every year, a practice he said has lasted for over two decades. He then pointed to a recent incident in Jenin.
“In Jerusalem, the city municipality every year officially distributes Christmas trees every year. It’s been doing so for two decades. By contrast, a few days ago, in the Palestinian town of Jenin, Palestinians burnt a Christmas tree in the Holy Redeemer Church,” he said.
“That’s the difference. Israel stands up for Christians across the region, wherever they face widespread intimidation and persecution,” he added.
Netanyahu concluded the message by sending Christmas greetings to Christians around the world, while reaffirming Israel’s stance on religious freedom.
His comments come amid growing international concern over insecurity in Nigeria.
In recent weeks, United States President Donald Trump accused the Federal Government of failing to protect Christian communities from persistent attacks.
Trump warned that the United States could suspend aid to Nigeria and even consider military options if the killings continued.
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