Israel Pledges Intelligence Sharing with Nigeria over Insecurity, not unilateral Action, Assures Envoy
Israel Pledges Intelligence Sharing with Nigeria over Insecurity, not unilateral Action, Assures Envoy
Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria Michael Freeman has clarified that Israel’s plan to help protect Christian communities in Nigeria will focus on intelligence sharing and cooperation with the Nigerian government, rather than unilateral military action.
In an interview with ARISE News, Freeman explained that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recently announced “eighth front” initiative is intended to support persecuted religious groups while fully respecting Nigeria’s national sovereignty.
The Ambassador emphasized that Israel’s interest is to act as a partner and ally to stop violence affecting all Nigerians, including Christians and Muslims.
He stated that the primary method of support would be sharing intelligence to curb attacks, and that any specific actions would be led by the Nigerian government’s needs.
Freeman declined to reveal whether formal diplomatic channels had been given opened with President Bola Tinubu’s administration regarding the proposal, noting that communications involving intelligence must remain confidential to be effective.
The envoy also dismissed claims that the move was for geopolitical leverage, pointing out that Israel is the only Middle Eastern country where the Christian population is thriving with complete freedom of worship.
This clarification follows Netanyahu’s declaration of a “new front” to protect Christians globally from radical Islamist violence, and reports of U.S. airstrikes against terrorist groups in Northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day.
