Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has said Israel’s plan to support the protection of Christian communities in Nigeria is strictly a partnership initiative anchored on intelligence sharing and cooperation with the Nigerian government, not unilateral action.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Monday, Freeman explained that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement of an “eighth front” against radical Islamist violence was aimed at supporting persecuted communities globally, including Christians in Nigeria, while respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“What Prime Minister Netanyahu said, and it was very clear, was that he wants to make sure that all those persecuted around the world — and he highlighted Christians — are supported,” Freeman said.
“This is about working with Nigeria. It is not about working against Nigeria. It is working with Nigeria as a partner and as an ally.”
Freeman stressed that Israel’s interest was not limited to Christians alone but extended to all Nigerians affected by insecurity.
“Our interest is to work with Nigeria to stop all the violence in this country — against Christians, against Muslims, and against all Nigerians,” he said.
He identified intelligence sharing as the central pillar of any collaboration, adding that Israel would be guided entirely by Nigerian authorities.
“There will be no unilateral action. We will be led and guided by the Nigerian government on where we can work and where we can partner,” Freeman said.
“When you deal with intelligence, it’s not something you talk about publicly, because that would undermine the entire purpose.”
Responding to suggestions that Israel’s move could be linked to broader geopolitical calculations or evangelical support, Freeman rejected claims of political motivation.
“Israel protects Christians because it is what we believe in,” he said.
“Israel is founded on the principle of freedom of religion and equality of religion. Christians, Muslims and Jews all have complete freedom of worship.”
He noted that Israel remains the only country in the Middle East where the Christian population is growing and thriving.
“Christians in Israel are the most educated, the wealthiest, and they have total freedom of religion,” Freeman said.
“I was in Jerusalem on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I saw thousands of Christians freely celebrating, praying, and expressing their faith.”
On claims of contradiction between Israel’s stance on protecting Christians abroad and the unresolved conflict in Gaza, Freeman said the two issues were not mutually exclusive.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke about Christians across the world, not only Nigeria,” he said.
“Israel is the only place in the Middle East where Christians enjoy complete freedom of religion.”
Turning to Gaza, Freeman said lasting peace in 2026 depends on the disarmament of Hamas, which he described as a terrorist organisation.
“Without the disarmament of Hamas, we cannot move on,” he said.
“Hamas carried out the October 7 massacre and has repeatedly said it would do it again.”
He accused Hamas of terrorising both Israelis and Palestinians.
“Hamas is also terrorising the Gazan population. We’ve seen civilians killed and maimed by Hamas since the ceasefire,” Freeman said.
On the return of Israeli hostages, Freeman insisted that Hamas must immediately return the body of the last Israeli hostage it is holding.
“Without that, we can’t really move on,” he said.
“They know where the body is. When pressure was applied, they suddenly found the others.”
Addressing the future of Gaza, Freeman said Israel has no territorial ambitions in the enclave and would withdraw under the conditions of the US-backed peace plan.
“We have no territorial desire over Gaza. We left in 2005, and we intend to leave again,” he said.
“Israel will withdraw once all stages of the plan are fulfilled — including the disarmament of Hamas and security guarantees.”
He also opposed Turkey’s involvement in any stabilisation force.
“Putting Turkey in charge would be like putting the fox in charge of the chicken coop,” Freeman said, citing Ankara’s support for Hamas.
Looking ahead to 2026, Freeman said he remained cautiously hopeful.
“I hope we see the disarmament of Hamas, a stabilisation force, a better future for Palestinians, and a peaceful life for Israelis,” he said.
“If it’s not a better future for everybody, then there is no real hope of lasting peace.”
Boluwatife Enome
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