Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned what he described as attacks and displacement affecting Christian communities in Nigeria, calling the situation unacceptable and urging an immediate halt to the alleged violence.
Netanyahu spoke during a Christmas message delivered from Jerusalem, where he addressed Christians around the world and warned against religious persecution in any form.
“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,” Netanyahu said.
In his address, the Israeli leader contrasted the situation in Nigeria and other parts of the Middle East with Israel’s treatment of Christians, insisting that Israel remains a place where Christians practise their faith freely and without fear.
“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 guarantees full religious freedom for Christians and continues to welcome pilgrims from across the globe.
“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 are so deeply appreciated, where Christians can celebrate their traditions proudly and openly do so without any fear,” he said.
He further pointed to long-standing practices in Jerusalem, noting that the city’s municipality officially distributes Christmas trees every year.
“In Jerusalem, the city municipality every year officially distributes Christmas trees. It’s been doing so for two decades,” he said.
The prime minister contrasted this with a reported incident in the Palestinian town of Jenin, where a Christmas tree at the Holy Redeemer Church was allegedly burnt.
“By contrast, a few days ago, in the Palestinian town of Jenin, Palestinians burnt a Christmas tree in the Holy Redeemer Church. That’s the difference. Israel stands up for Christians across the region, wherever they face widespread intimidation and persecution,” Netanyahu said.
He also drew attention to changes in Christian population figures across the Middle East, stating that Israel’s Christian population continues to grow while numbers elsewhere have declined due to what he described as systemic discrimination.
“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,” he said.
Citing Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and territories under the Palestinian Authority, Netanyahu said the pattern had remained consistent.
“This has happened in Iraq. It’s happened in Syria. It’s happened in Lebanon. It’s happened in Turkey. And it’s happening in the Palestinian Authority,” he said.
He referenced Bethlehem as an example, recalling its demographic shift over the years.
“The birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem, used to have 80% Christian population. That’s when we were there. When we left and gave it to the Palestinian Authority, it has since dwindled from 80% to 20%,” Netanyahu said.
Reaffirming Israel’s position, the prime minister pledged continued support for Christians worldwide.
“I’m sending Israel’s Christmas blessings to our Christian friends around the world. And I ask you, know that Israel will always stand with you,” he said.
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