Netanyahu Urges Countries, including Nigeria to End Attacks on Christians, Condemns Religious Persecution

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the persecution of Christians and adherents of any religion must not be tolerated, calling for an immediate end to attacks and displacement linked to Muslim militant violence in Nigeria.

Netanyahu made the remarks on Wednesday in a Christmas message delivered from Jerusalem and shared in a video posted on his official X account.

“Persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated,” he said, stressing that violence driven by religious extremism “must end now.”

In the message, the Israeli leader highlighted Israel’s record on religious freedom, describing the country as the only place in the Middle East where the Christian community continues to grow and practise its faith freely.

“From here, the Holy Land, Israel, the only country in the Middle East where the Christian community is thriving, I send warm greetings to our Christian friends around the world,” Netanyahu said, wishing Christians a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

He said Christians in Israel enjoy full rights and freedom of worship, adding that Christian pilgrims are welcomed and able to celebrate their traditions openly without fear.

Netanyahu contrasted Israel’s approach with developments elsewhere in the region, citing the burning of a Christmas tree at the Holy Redeemer Church in the Palestinian town of Jenin, while noting that Jerusalem’s municipal authorities have officially distributed Christmas trees annually for more than two decades.

“Israel stands up for Christians across the region, wherever they face intimidation and persecution,” he said.

The prime minister also expressed concern over the decline of Christian populations in several Middle Eastern countries, including Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and areas under the Palestinian Authority, attributing the trend to discrimination and oppression.

Referring to Bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, Netanyahu said the city’s Christian population had dropped significantly over the years.

“Bethlehem used to have an 80 per cent Christian population. Today, it is closer to 20 per cent,” he said.

Netanyahu concluded by reaffirming Israel’s support for Christians worldwide, saying the country would continue to stand with them against religious persecution.