Netanyahu decries killings of Christians in Nigeria as ‘genocide,’ calls for urgent end to violence

By Johnson Arua

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the continued killings and displacement of Christians in Nigeria, describing the situation as a genocide and calling for the violence to end immediately.

Netanyahu made the remarks in a Christmas message in which he denounced attacks against Christians and other religious groups, insisting that such persecution should not be tolerated anywhere in the world.

His comments have drawn renewed international attention to Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, particularly in parts of the country where Christian communities have suffered repeated attacks and forced displacement.

In the address, the Israeli leader specifically mentioned Nigeria, warning that ongoing militant assaults pose an existential threat to vulnerable religious communities.

“The persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated. And the displacement and attacks against Christians in Nigeria, that too must end. And it must end now,” Netanyahu said.

The Israeli prime minister also used the message to portray Israel as a safe haven for Christians in the Middle East, arguing that it remains the only country in the region where Christians enjoy full religious freedom.

“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 deeply appreciated, where Christians can celebrate their traditions proudly and openly without any fear,” he stated.

Netanyahu contrasted this with what he described as the steady decline of Christian populations across several Middle Eastern countries, attributing the trend to discrimination, intimidation and oppression. He cited Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and areas under the Palestinian Authority as examples where Christian communities have significantly diminished.

Speaking on Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, Netanyahu claimed the city’s Christian population has sharply declined since it came under Palestinian Authority control.

“The birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem, used to have an 80 per cent Christian population. That’s when we were there. When we left and gave it to the Palestinian Authority, it has since dwindled from 80 per cent to 20 per cent,” he said.

He further highlighted what he described as contrasting attitudes toward Christian symbols, noting that Jerusalem’s municipal authorities officially distribute Christmas trees annually, a practice he said has continued for more than two decades.

“In Jerusalem, the city municipality every year officially distributes Christmas trees. It’s been doing so for two decades. By contrast, a few days ago, in the Palestinian town of Jenin, Palestinians burnt a Christmas tree in the Holy Redeemer Church,” Netanyahu said.

“That’s the difference. Israel stands up for Christians across the region, wherever they face widespread intimidation and persecution,” he added.

Netanyahu concluded by extending Christmas greetings to Christians around the world and reaffirming Israel’s commitment to religious freedom.

His remarks come amid mounting global concern over Nigeria’s security challenges. In recent weeks, United States President Donald Trump accused the Federal Government of failing to adequately protect Christian communities, warning that Washington could suspend aid to Nigeria and even consider stronger measures if the killings persisted.