By Desire Emmanuel
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has condemned what he described as ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria, calling for an immediate end to violence and displacement targeting Christians in the country.
His stance formed part of his Christmas message late Wednesday night to Christians around the world which he posted on his verified X handle on Wednesday night.
He said: “And the Muslim militant displacement and attacks against the Christians in Nigeria; that too must end and it must end now. To all our Christian friends around the world, know that Israel will always stand by you,” Netanyahu said.
It will be recalled that recently US President, Donald Trump, expressed concern over the ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria, threatening to launch military attacks on terrorists stronghold across the country.
However, the Nigerian government refuted the allegation, saying what the country is experiencing are attacks by terrorists on both Muslims and Christians.
Netanyahu used the address to highlight Israel as the only country in the Middle East where Christians can freely practise their faith and celebrate religious traditions without fear.
He contrasted Israel’s approach with what he described as widespread intimidation and persecution of Christian communities in other parts of the region.
“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,” Netanyahu said.
He also pointed to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, noting a significant demographic shift since the city came under Palestinian Authority control.
“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,” he said.
