Israel Developing Plan to Support Christians in Nigeria — Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is developing a policy framework aimed at supporting Christian communities in Nigeria and other parts of the world where they face violence and insecurity.

Netanyahu made the remarks on Friday during a meeting with evangelical leaders in Florida. He said Israel views the protection of Christian communities as part of a broader effort to defend what he described as shared Judeo-Christian values.

According to Netanyahu, threats to Christians are driven mainly by extremist Islamist groups operating across multiple regions. He cited both Shiite groups aligned with Iran and Sunni movements linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, saying their influence extends beyond the Middle East into Europe, the United States, and Africa, including Nigeria.

He said Israel is aware of attacks on Christians in countries such as Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and Nigeria, and claimed Israel is the only country that consistently protects Christian communities and allows them to grow within its borders.

Netanyahu added that Israel is working toward the creation of a coalition of countries committed to assisting Christian communities facing persecution globally. He said Israel intends to contribute intelligence support in Africa and other forms of assistance in the Middle East, without providing specific details.

“This is a central part of our agenda,” he said.

The comments followed Netanyahu’s meeting with US President Donald Trump a day earlier. Trump had announced air strikes in Nigeria on Christmas Day, saying the action was intended to halt what he described as persecution of Christians in the country.

On the same day the strikes were carried out, Netanyahu said attacks against Christians in Nigeria must stop.

Israel remains the only country to publicly support the United States’ claim that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria. The two countries maintain a close diplomatic and strategic relationship.