Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the protection of Christians in Nigeria, insisting that vulnerable religious communities around the world deserve safety, dignity and support.
Netanyahu made the remarks on Monday during a meeting with United States President Donald Trump in Florida, where both leaders discussed regional and global security issues, including the fragile Gaza truce and border stability in the Middle East.
While stressing the importance of securing Israel’s borders—particularly along the Syrian frontier—Netanyahu said the protection of minority groups should extend beyond Israel’s immediate neighbourhood. He noted that Christians, alongside other minorities, continue to face persistent threats in parts of the Middle East and Africa, including Nigeria.
“A peaceful border with Syria is in our interest,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israel seeks to prevent terrorism and attacks near its borders. He further emphasised that safeguarding minorities, especially Christians, is a shared value.
“Not only Jews, but other minorities, especially Christians, should be protected—in Syria, throughout the Middle East, and in Nigeria,” he said. “We fully back efforts aimed at protecting these communities, because Christian communities are beleaguered around the world.”
The Israeli leader reiterated Israel’s support for initiatives promoting freedom of worship and the safety of religious minorities, describing Christian communities globally as being under sustained pressure.
Netanyahu’s comments follow earlier statements in which he condemned what he described as unacceptable violence against Christians in Nigeria. In a Christmas message, he warned that attacks on Christians or adherents of any faith should not be tolerated and called for an end to militant violence and displacement targeting Christian populations.
He also highlighted Israel as a country where Christians can practise their faith freely, contrasting this with parts of the Middle East where Christian populations have sharply declined due to intimidation and discrimination.
Netanyahu cited shrinking Christian communities in countries such as Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Turkey, as well as in areas under the Palestinian Authority, pointing to Bethlehem as an example of significant population decline over the years.
He further referenced incidents involving attacks on Christian symbols in the region, while noting that Israeli authorities officially support Christian traditions, including the annual distribution of Christmas trees in Jerusalem.
The remarks come amid heightened international attention on religious freedom and security challenges facing minority communities across conflict-prone regions.