Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stirred controversy with his recent comments, claiming that the world is turning against Israel and forgetting about the Oct. 7 terror attack. In a speech in Jerusalem, Netanyahu criticized the growing criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, accusing those who oppose the war effort of ignoring the October massacre.
The US and other UN member nations have expressed concerns about the rising civilian casualties in Gaza, with the Hamas-run Ministry of Health reporting a death toll of over 32,000 people. However, the Israel Defense Forces estimate that about 12,000 Hamas operatives have been killed in the conflict.
Netanyahu defended Israel’s military actions, stating that the IDF has made efforts to minimize casualties and achieve unprecedented success. He also rejected accusations of genocide, citing the historical context of Israel’s establishment after the Holocaust.
The prime minister faced calls for his resignation and early elections during large-scale protests in Israel, with demonstrators demanding an end to the conflict and the release of hostages in Gaza. Netanyahu argued against holding elections during the war, claiming it would disrupt the country’s progress towards victory.
Meanwhile, the IDF continues to make progress in Gaza and Lebanon, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stating that Hamas is weakening internally. The conflict has also spilled over into Lebanon, where an alleged Hezbollah commander was killed in an Israeli airstrike.
As tensions escalate in the region, Netanyahu’s remarks have sparked debate and further scrutiny of Israel’s actions in the ongoing conflict.