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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on Islamist militant groups to end attacks on Christians in Nigeria, warning that religious persecution anywhere in the world would not be tolerated.
Netanyahu made the remarks in a Christmas message to Christians worldwide on Wednesday, in a video shared on his official X(formerly Twitter) handle.
In the message, the Israeli leader condemned what he described as the global persecution of Christians, particularly in parts of the Middle East, including Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Turkey.
He said Israel remained the only place in the Middle East where Christians could practise their faith freely, without fear or intimidation.
According to him, Christian pilgrims are welcomed and respected in Israel, and the country continues to stand with Christian communities facing persecution across the world.
Netanyahu contrasted Israel’s experience with what he described as a steady decline in Christian populations across several countries in the region, attributing the trend to systematic discrimination and oppression.
He also referenced Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, noting that its Christian population had significantly declined since the city came under Palestinian control.
“The birthplace of Jesus Bethlehem used to have 80% Christians population, when we were there.
“When we left and gave it to the Palestinian Authority, it has since dwindled from 80 to 20%.”
Turning to Nigeria, Netanyahu condemned attacks and displacement carried out by Muslim militant groups against Christians, describing them as unacceptable.
He has called for an immediate end to such violence.
“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 concluded by sending Christmas greetings from Israel to Christians around the world, assuring Christains of Israel’s continued support.
