Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers his speech after a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Jerusalem, Israel, Sunday, March 17, 2024.
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Netanyahu Fires Back Amid Escalating US Criticism

In Jerusalem, Israel, on a significant day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared his thoughts following a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The event took place on Sunday, March 17, 2024. A photograph captured the moment, showing Netanyahu as he delivered his speech, marking a notable instance in world news.

In Tel Aviv, Israel, a wave of criticism from the United States has met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This criticism centers around his leadership during the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Netanyahu has strongly objected to suggestions from the U.S. for Israel to conduct a new election. He finds such suggestions entirely out of place.

Recently, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a prominent Jewish figure and supporter of Israel, suggested that Israel should hold a new election. He believes Netanyahu has lost his direction. President Joe Biden echoed Schumer’s sentiments, praising his speech and earlier criticizing Netanyahu for the significant civilian casualties in Gaza.

Netanyahu, in a conversation with Fox News, emphasized that Israel would not have suggested a new U.S. election following the September 11 attacks in 2001. He labeled Schumer’s comments as inappropriate, stating, “We’re not a banana republic.” He stressed that the Israeli people have the right to decide on their elections and leaders, without external imposition.

When CNN inquired if Netanyahu would agree to a new election after the war, he responded that it should be a decision for the Israeli public.

The U.S. has shown concern over Israel’s planned assault on Rafah in southern Gaza, home to about 1.4 million displaced Palestinians. John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, mentioned that the U.S. is yet to see a plan from Israel regarding Rafah.

The U.S. is advocating for new negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire, in return for the release of Israeli hostages taken during Hamas’ attack on October 7.

Despite ongoing talks, Netanyahu made it clear he would not back down from the conflict, which has resulted in over 31,000 Palestinian deaths, as reported by local health officials. More than five months have passed since Hamas’ attack in southern Israel, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and left another 250 people as hostages.

Netanyahu warned that calls for an election at this time would disrupt Israel’s military efforts and paralyze the country for six months. He reaffirmed his commitment to attacking Hamas in Rafah, with the government approving military plans for such an operation.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has warned that an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah could have severe consequences for the entire region. He mentioned that pushing Palestinians into the Sinai Peninsula could threaten the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, a key element of regional stability.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, after meeting with el-Sissi, expressed deep concern over the potential impact of a full-scale offensive in Rafah on the civilian population. She emphasized the importance of avoiding such an offensive at all costs.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, following his meeting with Netanyahu, highlighted the dire situation of people in Gaza. He questioned whether the high costs of the operation could be justified, regardless of the goal.

Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, during a White House reception for St. Patrick’s Day, spoke about the Irish people’s concern over the situation in Gaza. He drew parallels between Irish history and the Palestinian experience, emphasizing displacement, dispossession, and national identity challenges.

Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli consul-general in New York and critic of Netanyahu, suggested that Netanyahu is seeking conflict with the U.S. to shift blame if Israel fails to achieve its goal of destroying Hamas.

Both the U.S. and Netanyahu have political motivations in this dispute. The Biden administration faces pressure to restrain Israel’s actions against Hamas, while Netanyahu aims to demonstrate resilience against international pressure.

In Tel Aviv, thousands have protested against Netanyahu’s government, calling for a new election and the release of hostages. There’s a growing concern among the Israeli public regarding the conditions of the hostages and the urgency of bringing them home alive.

The conflict has displaced most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, with a quarter of the population facing starvation, according to the U.N. Despite airdrops and new sea routes for aid, more efforts and fewer restrictions are needed to address the humanitarian crisis significantly.

The Gaza Health Ministry reports that the war has resulted in at least 31,645 Palestinian deaths. The ministry’s figures include women and children, who constitute two-thirds of the casualties.

Israel holds Hamas responsible for civilian casualties, citing their operations in densely populated areas.

Recently, hospitals in Gaza received the bodies of 92 individuals killed in Israeli airstrikes, along with 130 wounded. Among the casualties were 11 members of the Thabet family, including five children and one woman, killed in an airstrike in Deir al-Balah city, central Gaza.