Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to open what he described as a new global front focused on protecting Christian communities across Africa and the Middle East, citing growing threats to what he called the Judeo Christian civilization.
Netanyahu made the remarks during a public address shared on his official YouTube channel and later reiterated similar positions during a discussion with evangelical community leaders in Florida following a meeting with United States President Donald Trump.
Speaking to an audience of Christian Zionists, Netanyahu emphasized the historic role their movement played in the creation and survival of Israel, describing the alliance between Christian Zionism and Jewish Zionism as foundational and enduring.
“You are representatives of the Christian Zionists who made Jewish Zionism possible,” he said, adding that the partnership had remained strong “through thick and thin.”
According to Netanyahu, Israel has recently emerged from what he described as a seven front war, but a new challenge has now taken center stage.
“But there’s an eighth front,” Netanyahu said. “And that’s the front for the hearts and minds of people, especially young people.”
He explained that this battle goes beyond Israel alone and affects the United States, their shared alliances, and the future of Western civilization.
“I think it’s our common Judeo-Christian civilization’s battle,” he said, stressing that it must be confronted with the same determination as military conflicts.
Netanyahu rejected calls for religious silence in the face of violence, insisting that faith must play an active role in confronting terrorism.
“Faith should speak its voice and terrorism should be confronted, not understood, confronted and defeated,” he said.
During his remarks, Netanyahu disclosed that he had spoken directly with President Trump about what he described as a global struggle against Israel and Judeo Christian values.
“I see the battle against us and the battle against our Judeo-Christian tradition basically being waged around the globe,” he said.
He identified radical Shiite and Sunni Islamist groups as the primary forces behind these threats, naming Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood as key actors.
“They go to Europe, they go to the United States, they go to Africa, Nigeria,” he said.
Netanyahu specifically referenced the persecution of Christians in several regions, including Nigeria, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and other parts of the Middle East and Africa. He claimed that Israel stands apart in its treatment and protection of Christian communities.
“We’re also aware of the fact, as you are, that one country protects the Christian community, enables it to grow, defends it, and makes sure that it thrives, and that country is Israel,” he said.
“There is no other, None.”
The Israeli leader announced that Israel would join efforts with the United States and other allies to form what he described as a united nations of countries committed to supporting Christian communities worldwide, particularly those facing persecution.
“We are joining an effort to have basically a united nations of countries that support Christian communities around the world, beleaguered communities who deserve our help,” he said.
Netanyahu added that Israel has the capacity to provide support across different regions, including intelligence assistance in Africa and other resources in the Middle East.
“This is what our agenda is, it’s a main part of our agenda, and it’s going to continue with greater force and greater might in this coming year,” he stated.
His comments come shortly after United States airstrikes were carried out against terrorist targets in Nigeria, an action that U.S. officials described as part of broader efforts to combat extremist violence.
Netanyahu concluded his address by extending seasonal greetings to Christians worldwide, expressing hope for peace, security, and prosperity, particularly for communities facing persecution.
