Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken out against pro-Palestinian student protests in US universities, calling them “horrific” and demanding that they be stopped. The demonstrations, which have erupted in response to Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza, have led to mass arrests and disruptions in classes at prestigious American institutions.
Netanyahu expressed concern over the safety of Israeli and Jewish students and faculty, citing incidents of anti-Semitic behavior and hate speech on college campuses. He accused the protesters of calling for the annihilation of Israel and attacking Jewish individuals, labeling their actions as “unconscionable” and calling for immediate intervention.
The Prime Minister criticized university leaders for what he deemed a “shameful” response to the protests, urging for stronger action to be taken. He called on those who value their values and civilization to stand together and denounce the violence and intimidation occurring on campuses across the country.
The unrest at US universities comes amidst a broader cultural debate following Hamas’s attack on October 7 and Israel’s subsequent military response, which has resulted in a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The death toll from the conflict continues to rise, with thousands of lives lost on both sides.
As tensions escalate, Netanyahu’s condemnation of the protests highlights the deep divisions and challenges facing both Israel and its allies in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.