Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned what he termed a Christian genocide in Nigeria, calling for an immediate cessation of violence and displacement targeting Christians in the country.
In a Christmas video message that has gone viral online, Netanyahu declared that attacks against Christians or any religious adherents are unacceptable and must not be tolerated. He specifically referenced militant attacks against Christians in Nigeria and urged that these must come to an end without delay.
“The persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated. The displacement and attacks against Christians in Nigeria must end. And it must end now,” he stated emphatically.
Netanyahu took the opportunity to highlight Israel as, in his words, the only country in the Middle East where Christians can freely practice their faith and celebrate their religious traditions without fear. He contrasted Israel’s approach with what he described as the widespread intimidation and persecution facing Christian communities in other parts of the region.
“Israel is the only country in the Middle East where Christians can practice their faith with full rights and in total freedom, where Christian pilgrims are embraced with open arms and deeply appreciated, where Christians can celebrate their traditions proudly and openly without fear,” Netanyahu remarked.
He noted that while Israel’s Christian population continues to grow, Christian communities in several Middle Eastern countries have declined due to discrimination and oppression. He cited Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and areas under the Palestinian Authority as examples of this troubling trend.
Netanyahu also pointed to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, highlighting a significant demographic shift since the city came under Palestinian Authority control. “The birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem, used to have an 80 per cent Christian population when we were there. Since we left and handed it over to the Palestinian Authority, it has dwindled to 20 per cent,” he explained.
Furthermore, he compared the treatment of Christian symbols, noting that Jerusalem’s municipal authorities distribute Christmas trees annually, while a Christmas tree was recently burned in Jenin. “In Jerusalem, the city municipality officially distributes Christmas trees every year. This has been a tradition for two decades. In contrast, just a few days ago, in the Palestinian town of Jenin, Palestinians burned a Christmas tree in the Holy Redeemer Church,” Netanyahu highlighted.
“That’s the difference. Israel stands up for Christians across the region, wherever they face widespread intimidation and persecution,” he added.
In closing, Netanyahu extended seasonal greetings to Christians worldwide. His comments come just weeks after United States President Donald Trump accused the Federal Government of Nigeria of failing to stop the killings of Christians in the country. Trump warned on his Truth Social account that the US could halt all aid to Nigeria and consider military action if the attacks continue.
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