Netanyahu Condemns Religious Persecution and Attacks on Christians in Nigeria

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the persecution of Christians and followers of all faiths, declaring that such acts are unacceptable and must be stopped.

He also specifically denounced the displacement and attacks on Christians by Muslim militants in Nigeria, calling for an immediate end to the violence.

Netanyahu made the remarks in a Christmas message released in a video shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, where he addressed Christians around the world from Jerusalem. He described Israel as a place where Christian life is protected and continues to flourish, while warning that religious persecution remains widespread in many parts of the world.

“From Jerusalem, I send my warmest greetings to our Christian friends everywhere,” Netanyahu said. “I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Holy Land, Israel, the only country in the Middle East where the Christian community is thriving.”

He emphasised that Israel guarantees full religious freedom, noting that Christians can practice their faith openly and safely. According to him, Christian pilgrims are welcomed, and religious traditions are celebrated publicly without fear or restriction.

Highlighting Israel’s approach to protecting Christian heritage, Netanyahu pointed out that Jerusalem’s municipality has officially distributed Christmas trees each year for more than two decades.

He contrasted this with a recent incident in the Palestinian city of Jenin, where a Christmas tree was reportedly burned at the Holy Redeemer Church.

“That contrast tells a clear story,” he said, adding that Israel actively defends Christian communities across the region, particularly where they face intimidation or persecution.

Netanyahu also expressed concern over the steady decline of Christian populations in several Middle Eastern countries. He said that while Israel’s Christian population continues to grow, communities in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and areas under the Palestinian Authority have diminished due to what he described as ongoing discrimination and oppression.

Referring to Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus, Netanyahu recalled that the city once had a strong Christian majority. He claimed that when Israel controlled the area, Christians made up about 80 per cent of the population, a figure he said has since dropped significantly under Palestinian Authority governance.