Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for an immediate end to militant attacks on Christians in Nigeria, labeling the ongoing violence and forced displacement as wholly unacceptable.
Netanyahu made the remarks in a Christmas message delivered from Jerusalem, stressing that persecution based on religion cannot be justified anywhere.
“The persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated. And Muslim militant displacement and attacks against Christians in Nigeria, that too must end. And it must end now”, he said.
The Israeli leader contrasted Israel’s treatment of Christians with the intimidation and persecution facing Christian communities in parts of the Middle East, highlighting that Israel provides full religious freedom and welcomes pilgrims from around the world.
“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 can celebrate their traditions proudly and openly without fear”, Netanyahu said.
He cited official recognition of Christian traditions in Jerusalem, noting the annual distribution of Christmas trees for two decades, and contrasted it with incidents such as the burning of a Christmas tree at the Holy Redeemer Church in Jenin.
Netanyahu also highlighted declining Christian populations in countries like Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and areas under the Palestinian Authority, emphasizing Israel’s growing Christian community as a symbol of solidarity.
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