Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to launch a fresh initiative—what he calls a "new front"—dedicated to safeguarding Christian communities facing threats across the Middle East and Africa, with Nigeria specifically highlighted among the vulnerable regions.
Speaking to a gathering of evangelical Christian leaders in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 31, 2025, Netanyahu emphasized Israel's commitment to joining an emerging international alliance of nations aimed at supporting "beleaguered" Christian groups worldwide.
He described the effort as part of a broader defense of Judeo-Christian values against rising global perils."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," Netanyahu said.
He pointed to ongoing challenges from extremist forces, noting that Israel could contribute significantly through intelligence sharing in Africa and other capabilities in the Middle East.
The prime minister framed this as an "eighth front" following Israel's recent multi-front conflicts, which he claimed were largely victorious. He stressed that protecting these communities has become a core priority for Israel, vowing to pursue it "with greater force and greater might" in the coming year.Netanyahu also highlighted discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, portraying the struggle as a shared battle impacting Western allies. By stepping up support—ranging from intel cooperation to unspecified resources—Israel aims to bolster vulnerable Christians amid reports of persistent attacks and displacement in places like Nigeria's northern regions.
This move underscores Israel's positioning as a protector of religious minorities, contrasting its own thriving Christian population with declining communities elsewhere in the region.
As 2026 begins, the announcement signals a more active Israeli role in global efforts to address Christian persecution.
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