In a strongly worded statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the recent pro-Palestine protests at US universities, drawing parallels to the rise of antisemitism in German universities during the 1930s.
Netanyahu cited incidents of antisemitic rhetoric and violence, including calls for the annihilation of Israel and attacks on Jewish students and faculty. He expressed concern about the escalation of antisemitism in American and Western societies, a trend he attributes to Israel’s efforts to defend against terrorist threats.
The Prime Minister highlighted the need for swift and unequivocal condemnation of these protests. While acknowledging the importance of free speech and debate on college campuses, he emphasized that antisemitic behavior must not be tolerated.
Netanyahu urged university presidents, state, local, and federal officials to take a stronger stance against these demonstrations, which he believes have crossed the line into unacceptable harassment and intimidation. He called for increased efforts to foster understanding and combat antisemitism on American campuses.
The White House, in response, reiterated President Biden’s commitment to free speech and debate on college campuses. However, the administration also emphasized the importance of non-discrimination and condemned any form of antisemitism or harassment directed at Jewish students and faculty.
