Palm Beach, Florida – January 2, 2026
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel will intensify efforts to protect Christian communities facing persecution in the Middle East and parts of Africa, including Nigeria, describing the initiative as a "new front" in defense of shared Judeo-Christian values.
The announcement came during a meeting with evangelical Christian leaders in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 31, 2025, where Netanyahu addressed an audience of Christian Zionists and thanked them for their longstanding support of Israel. Parts of the speech were later shared on official channels, aligning with New Year messages emphasizing global solidarity.
Netanyahu framed the effort as reciprocal: "Just as you are helping us, we want to help back, and we’re capable of doing this. In Africa, with intel, in the Middle East, with a lot of means that I won’t itemize." He stressed that protecting beleaguered Christian communities would be "a main part of our agenda" and continue "with greater force and greater might in this coming year."
The prime minister identified threats from "radical Shiite Islam," led by Iran, and "radical Sunni Islam," led by the Muslim Brotherhood, as primary forces undermining Judeo-Christian traditions worldwide. "They go to Europe, the United States, Africa and Nigeria," he said, noting that these influences "permeate everything."
Highlighting specific persecution, Netanyahu stated: "We are conscious of the fact that Christians are being persecuted — across the Middle East, in Syria, in Lebanon, in Nigeria, in Turkey and beyond." He contrasted this with Israel's role, asserting: "One country protects the Christian community, enables it to grow, defends it, and makes sure that it thrives — and that country is Israel. There is no other. None."
Netanyahu revealed that Israel is "joining an effort to have basically a united nations of countries that support Christian communities around the world — beleaguered communities who deserve our help." While details of the coalition remain unspecified, the initiative appears aimed at coordinating international support, including intelligence sharing and other assistance.
The remarks build on Netanyahu's recent engagements, including a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, and echo his Christmas message emphasizing Israel's unique status as a haven for Christians in the region. Analysts interpret the announcement as strengthening ties with evangelical supporters, who have been pivotal in Christian Zionism and advocacy for Israel.
Netanyahu also referenced Israel's recent military successes, describing a "seven-front war" from which the country emerged "in many ways victorious," but identified an "eighth front" — the battle for "hearts and minds," particularly among young people in the West. He urged Christian leaders to join this ideological struggle against global threats to shared values.
Concluding his address, Netanyahu extended seasonal greetings: "May it be a year of prosperity, peace and security for all of us, but especially for the Christian communities around the world."
The focus on Nigeria aligns with ongoing concerns over violence in the country's Middle Belt and northern regions, where clashes involving herders, bandits, and insurgents have led to significant casualties among Christian populations. Human rights organizations have documented attacks on churches and villages, though Nigerian authorities attribute much of the insecurity to criminality and resource conflicts rather than solely religious motives.
Netanyahu's pledge comes amid broader diplomatic outreach, including Israel's expanding relations in Africa through security cooperation and technology transfers. Observers note that evangelical communities in the U.S. and elsewhere have increasingly advocated for international action on Christian persecution, influencing policy discussions.
As 2026 begins, the announcement underscores Israel's strategy to position itself as a defender of religious minorities while deepening alliances with faith-based groups. It also highlights growing international attention to the plight of Christians in conflict zones, with calls for coordinated responses gaining traction.
