SUNTV Global Channel | December 25, 2025
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has strongly condemned attacks against Christians and people of other faiths around the world, with particular emphasis on the continued violence targeting Christian communities in Nigeria, declaring that such brutality “must end, and it must end now.”
Netanyahu made the remarks in a Christmas message delivered from Jerusalem, where he extended warm greetings to Christians globally while highlighting what he described as Israel’s commitment to religious freedom.
“From Jerusalem, I send warm greetings to our Christian friends around the world. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” the Israeli leader said, speaking from what he referred to as “the Holy Land, Israel.”
According to Netanyahu, Israel remains “the only country in the Middle East where the Christian community is thriving,” insisting that Christians in Israel practise their faith “with full rights and in total freedom.” He added that Christian pilgrims are welcomed openly and are able to celebrate their traditions without fear or intimidation.
Citing Jerusalem as an example, Netanyahu noted that the city’s municipality officially distributes Christmas trees every year, a tradition he said has been ongoing for over two decades.
He contrasted this with what he described as incidents of religious intolerance elsewhere, alleging that a Christmas tree was recently burnt in the Holy Redeemer Church in the Palestinian town of Jenin.
“That’s the difference,” Netanyahu said, asserting that Israel stands up for Christians across the region wherever they face intimidation or persecution.
The Israeli prime minister further claimed that while Israel’s Christian population continues to grow, Christian communities in several Middle Eastern countries have been shrinking due to what he described as systematic discrimination and oppression. He listed countries including Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and areas under the Palestinian Authority.
Referencing Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, Netanyahu claimed the city once had a predominantly Christian population, which he said has significantly declined over the years.
In a direct reference to Nigeria, Netanyahu condemned militant attacks and displacement targeting Christians, stating:
“The persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated. And Muslim militant displacement and attacks against Christians in Nigeria — that too must end, and it must end now.”
He concluded his message by reaffirming Israel’s solidarity with Christians worldwide, saying Israel would always stand with them and extending Christmas blessings to Christian communities across the globe.
Reporting by SUNTV Global Channel
