Abstract

The main objective of this paper was to ascertain the level and extent of ethno-religious sentiments in the Nigeria-Israel relations over the years using the linkage approach as its theoretical framework. Basically, the paper relied on secondary source of data collection. As an ex-post facto design, analysing the data was based on content analysis. The findings reveal that conflicting religious undercurrent has impacted on the Nigeria-Israel relations, resulting to a tight-rope-work policy by the Nigerian government in order to avoid a clash between the Christians and Muslims. The study therefore concludes that the ideological disposition between the two religious sects have impinged on the dynamics of Nigeria-Israel relations, thereby creating socio-economic inertia. In the light of the above, the study recommends that Nigerians should emulate Saudi-Arabia and Israel where both Christians and Muslims live without conflicts. On this note, CAN and NSCIA representing Christians and Muslims respectively, should make deliberate effort in sensitizing their members on the need for ethno-religious tolerance, which will no doubt help to free the wheel of Nigerian foreign policy towards the Middle East for better achievements.