Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the opening of a new international initiative aimed at protecting Christian communities facing persecution in parts of Africa and the Middle East, including Nigeria.
Netanyahu made the announcement in his New Year’s message published on his official YouTube channel, where he addressed a global audience of Christian Zionists.
According to the Israeli leader, Israel is expanding its global engagement beyond military conflicts to confront what he described as growing threats to Judeo-Christian values across the world.
“I see the battle against us and the battle against our Judeo-Christian tradition basically being waged around the globe,” Netanyahu said.
A New Kind of Battle
Netanyahu revealed that after what he called a recently concluded “seven-front war,” Israel is now entering a different type of confrontation — a struggle for influence, ideas and beliefs.
He described this new phase as a fight for “hearts and minds,” particularly among young people.
“This is a new front,” he explained. “It’s not only on the battlefield — it’s in public opinion.”
Focus on Nigeria and Persecuted Christians
The Prime Minister specifically mentioned Nigeria as one of the countries where Christian communities are under increasing threat, alongside nations such as Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and others across the Middle East.
Netanyahu identified radical Shiite Islam and radical Sunni Islam as the main forces behind what he described as global attacks on Judeo-Christian traditions. He pointed to Iran as the leader of the Shiite axis and the Muslim Brotherhood as the driving force of the Sunni axis.
“They go to Europe, the United States, Africa and Nigeria. And we are conscious of the fact that Christians are being persecuted,” he said.
Coalition for Christian Protection
Netanyahu also announced that Israel is working to form a coalition of nations, similar in structure to the United Nations, dedicated to defending Christian communities worldwide, especially those under direct threat.
He stated that Israel has a unique role in protecting Christians and ensuring their growth and safety.
“Just as you are helping us, we want to help back,” he told his audience.
According to him, Israel will support vulnerable Christian communities using intelligence cooperation in Africa and a range of undisclosed methods in the Middle East.
“This is a main part of our agenda,” Netanyahu emphasized.
The announcement has already drawn global attention, particularly in countries like Nigeria, where religious violence and attacks on Christian communities have remained a major concern.