At a Knesset session held under the monthly “40-signature debate” mechanism, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly defended his handling of Israel’s response to two years of conflict with Hamas. He rejected opposition claims that Israel’s international standing has collapsed, saying the country is “stronger than ever” diplomatically, militarily and economically, and pointed to deepening ties with world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Opening with a dismissal of the debate as “a detachment from reality,” Netanyahu argued that Israel has emerged as a major regional — and in some areas global — power. He credited his government’s conduct of what it calls the “War of Revival,” launched after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, for that strengthened position while acknowledging ongoing challenges.
Netanyahu attributed recent spikes in antisemitism in Western countries to radicalized minorities and to social-media incitement, which he said is being amplified by “anti-Zionist governments and organisations.” To combat hostile propaganda, he noted a record budget allocation of about NIS 2.35 billion (roughly USD 725 million) to the Foreign Ministry and argued that new methods are required.
He cited recent and planned diplomatic contacts as evidence of Israel’s resilience: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit, which Netanyahu said was requested by Merz; frequent talks with Modi and growing Indian interest in closer ties; and ongoing engagement with U.S. President Donald Trump. Netanyahu downplayed media talk of a rift with Trump, noting his upcoming U.S. meeting will be his sixth with the president since he took office — more than with any other leader — and stressing that Israel and the United States remain staunch allies even when they disagree.
Netanyahu also highlighted sustained lines of communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying their long-standing personal relationship helps safeguard Israeli interests. He listed the United States, India, Germany and Russia as key powers whose ties with Israel have strengthened since the war, and said many other countries across the Middle East, the Far East, Latin America and Africa are seeking closer relations.
Opposition figures interrupted with calls for Netanyahu’s resignation, accusing him of mismanaging the war, shirking 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 set up its own probe last month; Netanyahu defended that decision, saying the commission’s composition will be split equally between coalition and opposition members and arguing that only those unwilling to learn the truth would oppose such an arrangement.
