By Dalena Reporters l January 1, 2026
JERUSALEM — In a high-profile address on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled what he described as a strategic initiative to protect Christian communities in the Middle East and Africa (Nigeria), a move he framed as part of a broader defence of what he termed “Judeo-Christian civilization” amid rising global challenges. The announcement, made to an audience of Christian Zionist leaders in Florida, reflects Israel’s effort to deepen alliances with evangelical circles and assert a new diplomatic and security role for the state beyond its traditional regional focus.
Netanyahu said that support from Christian Zionists was “central to the emergence and survival of Israel” and described the proposed initiative as an “eighth front” in a global struggle that, in his view, extends beyond military theatres to encompass cultural and religious solidarity. “This battle is not Israel’s alone but one that affects the United States, our alliances, and the future of Western civilization,” he said, characterizing his speech as both political and ideological.
The Israeli leader identified radical Shiite and Sunni Islam, including groups such as Iran’s proxies and the Muslim Brotherhood, as the principal forces he claims are undermining Christian communities across the region. He specifically cited threats to Christians in countries ranging from Syria and Lebanon to Nigeria and Turkey, asserting that many of these communities are under persecution. Netanyahu also touted Israel’s “unique” role in the region as a protector of Christians and pledged expanded support “with intel in Africa and substantial means in the Middle East” to bolster such efforts.
In his remarks, Netanyahu announced plans to form what he called a “union of nations” committed to supporting beleaguered Christian communities worldwide. Though not elaborating on concrete mechanisms or participating countries, he emphasized that Israel would contribute resources and intelligence cooperation to the initiative, signaling a diplomatic outreach beyond conventional security partnerships.
The announcement has already generated debate internationally. Supporters of the initiative, particularly among U.S. evangelical Christian leaders, welcomed Netanyahu’s emphasis on religious solidarity. Critics, however, caution that the framing of regional threats principally in religious terms risks deepening sectarian divisions and oversimplifying complex security and humanitarian dynamics in areas like Africa and the Middle East.
In Nigeria, reactions were mixed, with some commentators rejecting external intervention in internal security issues. A former Nigerian presidential spokesman stated that Nigeria does not need Israel’s help to protect religious communities, highlighting sensitivities around sovereignty and foreign involvement in domestic affairs.
The initiative comes amid a broader international context in which perceptions of threats to Christian populations have been increasingly invoked in geopolitical discourse, including in recent U.S. strikes against militants in Nigeria, which U.S. officials linked in part to violence against religious minorities.
As Prime Minister Netanyahu’s proposal gains international attention, the details of how this “new front” will be operationalized whether through formal alliances, security partnerships, or humanitarian outreach remain to be clarified. Its implications for regional diplomacy, interfaith relations, and Africa-Middle East security cooperation are likely to be subjects of sustained discussion in the months ahead.
This article is based on verified information available as of January 1, 2026.