Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at the Knesset during a monthly “40-signature debate,” forcefully defended his management of the country amid two years of conflict with Hamas. Rejecting opposition claims that Israel’s international standing has collapsed, he insisted Israel is “stronger than ever,” diplomatically, militarily and economically, and highlighted relationships with world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Opening by mocking the debate’s premise as “a detachment from reality,” Netanyahu said Israel had become a major regional and, in some fields, global power — a result he attributed to how his government has conducted what it calls the “War of Revival,” launched after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. He acknowledged challenges, but argued many states and leaders are seeking closer ties with Israel.
Netanyahu blamed recent waves of antisemitism in the West on radicalized Muslim minorities and social-media incitement amplified by “anti-Zionist governments and organisations.” To counter this, he noted a record allocation of about NIS 2.35 billion (USD 725 million) to the Foreign Ministry to combat propaganda and said new methods are needed.
Citing recent and planned visits and meetings, he pointed to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit — which he said was requested by Merz — and his frequent talks with Modi, saying India wants stronger ties with Israel. He also mocked media speculation of a rift with U.S. President Donald Trump, noting his upcoming meeting in the United States will be his sixth with Trump since the president took office, more than with any other leader. Netanyahu stressed that while Israel and the U.S. do not always agree, they remain staunch allies and independent countries that defend their vital interests.
He also highlighted continued contacts with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying their long-standing personal relationship protects Israel’s interests. Netanyahu listed the U.S., India, Germany and Russia as powers whose ties with Israel have strengthened since the war and said many other nations across the Middle East, Far East, Latin America and Africa are seeking closer relations.
Opposition members demanded Netanyahu’s resignation, accusing him of mishandling the war, refusing responsibility for failing to prevent the October 7 attack, deepening societal divisions, weakening the judiciary and blocking a traditional state commission of inquiry into the events. The government instead established its own probe last month. Netanyahu defended that choice, saying the commission’s formation and membership will be split equally between coalition and opposition and argued that only those who do not want the truth would oppose such an arrangement.
