Netanyahu endorses U.S. strike on terrorists in Sokoto, calls for stronger protection of Christians

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed full support for former U.S. President Donald Trump following a United States military airstrike on terrorist targets in Sokoto State, while also urging stronger global action to protect Christian communities in Nigeria and other conflict-prone regions.

Mr Netanyahu made the remarks on Wednesday during a joint appearance with Mr Trump at a press briefing held at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, where both leaders addressed security concerns and religious persecution across different parts of the world.

According to the Israeli leader, minority groups, particularly Christians, remain vulnerable to violence in several regions, including parts of Africa and the Middle East, and require deliberate international protection.

Support for strike and minority protection

Speaking alongside Mr Trump, Mr Netanyahu said efforts to confront violent extremist groups and protect persecuted communities deserved global backing.

“Not only the Jews, but other minorities, especially Christians, must be protected in Syria, across the Middle East, and in Nigeria,” he said. “In your efforts, we back completely, because Christian communities are beleaguered around the world. We stand for the same values.”

His comments followed a statement earlier made by Mr Trump on Christmas Day, in which he announced that the U.S. military had carried out an airstrike targeting ISIS-linked militants operating in parts of Sokoto State.

Read also: FG Confirms Joint US–Nigeria Airstrikes on ISIS Camps in Sokoto

The strike, according to Mr Trump, was authorised directly by him and carried out on December 25, a date he said was chosen deliberately.

Christmas Day operation in Sokoto

Mr Trump described the operation as a symbolic response to terrorist activities, stating that the timing of the strike was meant to send a strong message to extremist groups.

“The strike was a Christmas gift to the terrorists,” Mr Trump said at the time, adding that he intentionally delayed the operation until December 25 to underscore its significance.

While U.S. authorities have not released detailed casualty figures or operational specifics, the announcement has drawn international attention, particularly within diplomatic and religious circles.

Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges linked to terrorism, banditry, and sectarian violence, with attacks in the country’s northwest and northeast often raising concerns about civilian safety and religious freedom.

The remarks by Mr. Netanyahu add to a growing list of international reactions to the Sokoto strike, as debates continue over foreign military involvement, counter-terrorism strategies, and the protection of vulnerable communities in conflict-affected regions.