In a Christmas message issued Wednesday, Netanyahu described violence against Christian communities in Nigeria as “unacceptable” and demanded its immediate cessation. He emphasized that attacks targeting Christians or followers of any religion cannot be tolerated, calling religious freedom a fundamental human right.
The Israeli leader highlighted what he characterized as militant displacement and violent assaults against Nigerian Christians, urging an end to such acts. Netanyahu positioned Israel as a sanctuary for religious freedom in the Middle East, asserting it remains the only country in the region where Christians can worship openly without fear.
Netanyahu drew comparisons between Israel and neighboring countries, noting that while Israel’s Christian population has grown, Christian communities in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and Palestinian-controlled territories have declined significantly. He pointed to Bethlehem as an example, stating its Christian population dropped from approximately 80 percent to 20 percent after coming under Palestinian Authority administration.