Israel’s ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has explained that discussions around Israel’s intention to help protect Christian communities in Nigeria are focused primarily on intelligence cooperation between both countries.
The clarification follows comments made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting with evangelical leaders in Florida last week, where he mentioned Nigeria among countries experiencing persecution of Christians and described Israel as uniquely positioned to offer protection.
Netanyahu’s remarks generated mixed reactions in Nigeria, particularly coming shortly after the surprise United States air strikes carried out on Christmas Day, which left many Nigerians unsettled.
Speaking on Arise TV on Monday, Freeman stressed that any form of collaboration would be done with full respect for Nigeria’s independence and authority.
“This is about working with Nigeria. This is not about working against Nigeria. It’s working with them as a partner, as an ally and seeing what we can do,” the ambassador said.
He explained that Netanyahu had highlighted intelligence cooperation as a key area of focus, noting that such engagement would be pursued in collaboration with the Nigerian government.
“He emphasised the issue of intelligence sharing and working in that area, and certainly I think that’s the area that we will be looking at to work with the Nigerian government; to see where we can work together to stop the attacks that are taking place against Christians, but also against Muslims and against all Nigerians,” Freeman added.
According to the ambassador, Israel’s interest extends beyond religious lines and is aimed at addressing insecurity across the country.
“Our interest is to work with Nigeria to stop all the violence in this country,” he said.
Freeman also noted that Netanyahu’s comments were not directed solely at Nigeria but referred more broadly to nations around the world where Christian communities are facing persecution.
Read more news on www.newdailyprime.news
