Israel has declared its readiness to support any United States military action aimed at protecting Christians and communities described as “friends of the Jews” in Nigeria, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said.
Netanyahu made the statement on Tuesday during a joint press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump, where security cooperation, counterterrorism, and the protection of vulnerable religious communities were discussed.
According to the Israeli Prime Minister, persistent attacks on Christian communities and allied groups in parts of Nigeria by extremist and terrorist elements have become a matter of international concern, requiring decisive global action. He emphasized that Israel stands firmly with the United States in confronting terrorism and defending religious freedom wherever it is under threat.
“Israel will stand with the United States in any necessary action to protect Christians and those who share our values and friendship, including in Nigeria,” Netanyahu said, stressing that terrorism must not be allowed safe havens anywhere in the world.
President Trump, while responding, reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to global security and the protection of persecuted religious groups, noting that Washington is closely monitoring the security situation in Nigeria, particularly ongoing insurgency, banditry, and sectarian violence affecting civilian populations.
Although no immediate military operation was officially announced, analysts say the remarks signal a possible shift toward stronger international involvement should violence against religious communities continue to escalate.
Nigeria has faced years of insecurity linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in the North-East, as well as armed banditry and farmer-herder conflicts across several regions. Human rights groups have repeatedly raised alarms over attacks on churches, clergy, and Christian-majority communities, alongside the broader humanitarian crisis.
As of the time of filing this report, Nigerian authorities have not issued an official response to the statements made at the Washington press conference. Observers note that any foreign military involvement would require careful diplomatic engagement and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The development has already sparked intense reactions across diplomatic, security, and religious circles, with many awaiting further clarification from the U.S. and Israeli governments on the scope, nature, and timeline of any proposed action.
