Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned attacks and displacement targeting Christians in Nigeria, calling for an immediate end to religious persecution anywhere in the world.
Netanyahu made the remarks in a Christmas message addressed to Christians globally, delivered from Jerusalem, where he reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to religious freedom and protection of Christian communities.
“The persecution of Christians, or members of any religion, cannot and must not be tolerated,” Netanyahu said. “Muslim militant displacement and attacks against Christians in Nigeria—this too must end. And it must end now.”
In his message, the Israeli leader extended Christmas and New Year greetings to Christians worldwide, while highlighting Israel’s position as a place where Christian communities can practise their faith freely.
“From Jerusalem, I send warm greetings to our Christian friends around the world. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” he said.
Netanyahu stated that Israel remains the only country in the Middle East where the Christian population is growing and where Christians enjoy full religious rights and freedom.
“Israel is the only country in the Middle East where the Christian community is thriving—where Christians can practise their faith with full rights and in total freedom, where Christian pilgrims are welcomed with open arms, and where Christians can proudly celebrate their traditions without fear,” he said.
The Israeli Prime Minister contrasted Israel’s record with what he described as declining Christian populations across several countries in the region due to discrimination and persecution.
“While Israel’s Christian population is growing, the Christian population in countless areas across the region has been dwindling due to systematic discrimination and oppression. This has happened in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and in the Palestinian Authority,” Netanyahu noted.
He cited Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, as an example, saying the city’s Christian population had sharply declined over the years.
“The birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem, once had an 80 per cent Christian population. After we left and handed it over to the Palestinian Authority, it has since declined from 80 per cent to 20 per cent,” he said.
Netanyahu also pointed to Israel’s support for Christian traditions, noting that Jerusalem’s municipal authorities officially distribute Christmas trees annually, a practice that has continued for over two decades.
“By contrast, a few days ago in the Palestinian town of Jenin, a Christmas tree was burned at the Holy Redeemer Church,” he said.
Reaffirming Israel’s stance, Netanyahu said the country would continue to stand with Christians facing persecution across the globe.
“I am sending Israel’s Christmas blessings to our Christian friends around the world, and I ask you to know that Israel will always stand with you,” he said.
