Jerusalem, 25 December 2025 — In his Christmas message, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly condemned what he described as the ongoing killing and displacement of Christians in Nigeria, calling for an immediate end to the violence and persecution.

Delivering the message on Wednesday, Netanyahu said the persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated, and he specifically urged that militant attacks targeting Christians in Nigeria “must end, and it must end now.”

Netanyahu’s comments placed fresh international attention on Nigeria’s security crisis, where various armed groups have been implicated in repeated attacks on religious communities. He described the violence and forced displacement against Christians as unacceptable, stressing the need for urgent action to protect vulnerable populations.

In the address, the Israeli leader also highlighted Israel’s position as a haven for Christian worshippers in the Middle East, contrasting it with places where he said Christian communities have diminished due to intimidation and persecution. He pointed to nations like Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Turkey, and noted demographic changes in areas under the Palestinian Authority where Christian populations have declined.

Netanyahu’s message closed with warm Christmas greetings to Christians worldwide, reaffirming Israel’s support for religious freedom and interfaith coexistence.