Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, has demanded that attacks against Christians in Nigeria and other countries stop right away.
Netanyahu included the call in his Christmas message to Christians worldwide, which he posted in a video on his official X Twitter.
“Persecution of Christians or people of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated, and attacks against Christians in Nigeria by Muslim militants must also stop, and it must stop now,” the Israeli prime minister declared.
Netanyahu mentioned the Middle Eastern nations of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey, where Christians are purportedly persecuted, in his denunciation of the persecution of Christians worldwide.
“Israel is the only country in the Middle East where Christians can practice their faith with full rights and in total freedom, where Christian pilgrims are embraced with open arms and are so deeply appreciated,” he continued.
“Where Christians can openly and fearlessly celebrate their traditions with pride.” The city municipality in Jerusalem formally distributes Christmas trees each year. For twenty years, it has been doing this.
On the other hand, a Christmas tree in the Holy Redeemer Church in the Palestinian town of Jenin was set on fire by Palestinians a few days ago. That is the distinction.
With Netanyahu’s remarks, Israel has adopted the same stance as the US over its allegation of “Christian persecution” in Nigeria.
Other international organizations, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the European Union (EU), have denounced the violence in Nigeria and described it as a wider security issue rather than specific religious persecution.
A few weeks ago, Trump responded to claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria by re-designating the country as a “country of particular concern.”
In addition, the US President threatened to use force if the Nigerian government, whom he accused of complicity, did not take immediate action.
The Nigerian government, however, has denied the allegations, stating that the nation upholds citizens’ freedom to follow their religion.
It insisted that victims of violence transcend religious boundaries and rejected targeted attacks on Christians.
About the Author
