Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned against what he described as ongoing attacks on Christian faithful in Nigeria, calling for an end to religious persecution.
Nigerian Newssphere reports that claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria have continued to generate intense local and international debate. Some lawmakers in the United States, backed by President Donald Trump, have alleged that Christians are being targeted and persecuted in parts of the country because of their faith.
Despite repeated denials and pushback from Nigerian government officials, President Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), citing alleged violations of religious freedom. The designation was accompanied by strong rhetoric, including threats of possible military action to halt the reported killings.
A United States congressional delegation recently visited Nigeria to investigate reports of violence against Christians, with particular focus on the Middle Belt region. However, President Trump has yet to announce any concrete steps following the visit.
Israel weighed in on the issue on Wednesday, as Netanyahu addressed the matter in his Christmas message. He stressed that attacks on Christians or adherents of any religion should not be tolerated.
Speaking from Jerusalem, Netanyahu said Israel remains the only country in the Middle East where the Christian community thrives and practices its faith freely and safely. He added that persecution of Christians anywhere in the world must come to an end.
“The persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated,” Netanyahu said, specifically referencing reports of militant attacks and displacement of Christians in Nigeria, which he said “must end, and must end now.”
