Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged stronger protection for Christians in Nigeria, saying at-risk religious communities worldwide deserve security and support.
He made the remarks on Monday during talks with United States President Donald Trump in Florida, where discussions focused on regional security matters, including the fragile Gaza truce and border stability in the Middle East.
Netanyahu emphasised the need to safeguard Israel’s borders, particularly along Syria, while extending concern to minority groups beyond Israel’s immediate region. He said Christians, alongside other minorities, continue to face serious threats in parts of the Middle East and Africa, including Nigeria, adding that Israel supports initiatives aimed at protecting such communities.
The Israeli leader said Christian communities across the world are under sustained pressure, noting that Israel aligns itself with efforts that promote their safety and freedom to practise their faith.
He said partly, “A peaceful border with Syria. Our interest is to have—and we openly say it, we want to make sure that the border area, right next to our border, is safe. We don’t have terrorists, we don’t have attacks. And we also want to secure our Jews friends.
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“And, by the way, I think not only the Jews, but other minorities, especially the Christians, should be protected as well, in Syria and throughout the Middle East, and in Nigeria.
“In your efforts, we back completely, because Christian communities are beleaguered around the world and especially in the Middle East, but in parts of Africa, too. And we stand for the same thing.”
His comments come after earlier remarks in which he condemned what he described as unacceptable violence against Christians in Nigeria.
In a Christmas message, Netanyahu said attacks on Christians or followers of any religion must not be tolerated, calling for an end to alleged militant violence and displacement affecting Christian communities in Nigeria.
He also described Israel as a country where Christians can practise their faith freely without fear, contrasting this with parts of the Middle East where Christian populations have declined due to intimidation and discrimination.
Netanyahu cited shrinking Christian populations in countries such as Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Turkey, as well as areas under the Palestinian Authority, pointing to Bethlehem as an example where the Christian population has dropped significantly over time.