Christmas Message: Netanyahu condemns Christian k!llings in Nigeria

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken out against what he described as a genocide of Christians in Nigeria, urging that the violence and forced displacement affecting Christian communities be stopped immediately.

In a Christmas message released on Wednesday, Netanyahu said attacks on people because of their religious beliefs were unacceptable, stressing that no faith group should be targeted anywhere in the world.

He pointed specifically to Nigeria, saying militant assaults on Christians must end without delay.

“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 used the message to present Israel as a safe place for Christians, describing it as the only country in the Middle East where they can freely practise their faith and observe religious traditions without fear.

He contrasted this with what he called widespread harassment and persecution of Christians in other parts of the region.

To all our Christian friends around the world - Merry Christmas! pic.twitter.com/IImci2WcbH

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) December 24, 2025

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

According to him, while Israel’s Christian population continues to increase, Christian communities across several Middle Eastern countries have sharply declined due to discrimination and oppression. He mentioned Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and territories under the Palestinian Authority as examples, drawing particular attention to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus.

“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.”

Netanyahu also compared how Christian symbols are treated, noting that Jerusalem’s municipal authorities officially distribute Christmas trees every year, while a Christmas tree was recently set ablaze in Jenin.

“In Jerusalem, the city municipality every year officially distributes Christmas trees every year. 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.”

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

He ended the address by sending Christmas greetings to Christians around the world.

Netanyahu’s remarks come weeks after United States President Donald Trump accused the Nigerian government of failing to halt the killing of Christians. Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned that the US could suspend all aid to Nigeria and even consider military action if the attacks continued.