Netanyahu Condemns Genocide Allegations, Equates Hamas to “New Nazis” on Holocaust Remembrance Day

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a televised press conference on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a passionate address, condemning the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) decision to entertain what he labeled as “ridiculous” allegations of genocide against Israel, as was reported by the Times of Israel. Netanyahu argued that the court’s willingness to hear such claims is indicative of a global failure to internalize the lessons of the Holocaust, asserting that the case served the interests of the Iranian backed Hamas terror group which he called “the new Nazis.”

Netanyahu began by expressing Israel’s enduring memory of the October 7 massacres, atrocities, and abductions, firmly stating, “we will never forgive what the Hamas monsters did to our sons and daughters,” according to the TOI report. Despite empathizing with the emotional plight of hostage families, he cautioned against mass protests, contending that such demonstrations only amplify Hamas’ demands and hinder the overarching goal of securing the return of all hostages still in captivity in Gaza.

The Israeli Prime Minister took particular issue with South Africa for accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza at The Hague. As was indicated in the TOI report, he held up a volume of Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” in Arabic, that was discovered in a Gaza home, as evidence of how he believes “the new Nazis” are educating their children.

Netanyahu asserted that Israel faced a war imposed by an openly hostile enemy with the declared intent of destroying all Jews. Reflecting on October 7, he chillingly stated, “if they could have, they would have slaughtered us all,” the TOI report said.

Undeterred, Netanyahu emphasized the main lesson learned from the Holocaust, declaring that Israel must defend itself independently. The report in the TOI also said that he stressed Israel’s right to be strong and determined, highlighting the country’s commitment to ensuring defensive power for the Jewish people, with an unyielding insistence that no one would take that right away.

Netanyahu asserted, “There is no alternative to complete victory.” He paid tribute to the fallen soldiers in Gaza, stating that Israel must achieve all war goals in their memory, including destroying Hamas, bringing the remaining hostages home, and ensuring terror forces in Gaza pose no future threat, as was noted in the TOI report. Netanyahu warned that if Israel does not respond to Hamas terrorism decisively, “the next slaughter is only a matter of time.”

Netanyahu also addressed the ongoing protests by families of hostages held in Gaza, asserting that the increasing public pressure was causing Hamas to escalate its demands, assuming that it would force concessions from the government. According to the TOI report, Netanyahu, along with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, has pushed back against the families’ demands for a ceasefire and an immediate deal for their loved ones’ release, emphasizing that such a deal is not on offer from the terror group. Instead, they argue that continued military pressure is the key to securing the hostages’ release.

This position echoes statements made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who expressed concern that protests against the government and in support of a deal might hinder the release of the hostages, as per the TOI report.  Smotrich emphasized that nothing undermines the chances of bringing the hostages home more than these protests.

During a press conference, Netanyahu defended his commitment to securing the hostages’ release, stating, “Nobody has to incentivize me” to work towards this goal. The TOI reported that he recounted his personal history, highlighting his injury as a soldier during the Sabena hijacking incident in 1972 and the death of his brother Yoni in the Entebbe rescue. Netanyahu affirmed that he is actively working on the matter continuously.

Responding to questions about protests blocking aid to Gaza, Netanyahu acknowledged the necessity of minimal aid for completing the task and ending the ongoing conflict, the TOI reported. While expressing understanding for the families opposing aid due to their situation, he reiterated that Israel’s policy is to allow aid into Gaza. Instructions were reportedly given to halt protesters blocking aid trucks.

Regarding protests outside his home, Netanyahu clarified that he had not given instructions to security authorities, recognizing the families’ right to protest. According to the information provided in the TOI report, he mentioned regular meetings with the families but expressed disappointment over leaks from these meetings, stating that they do not contribute positively to the situation.

In response to Netanyahu’s comments, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum emphasized the efforts made by relatives in advocating for their loved ones. As was mentioned in the TOI report, they reminded the prime minister of his role as an elected official and urged him to focus on correcting the errors of October 7 rather than scolding the families.

As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, Netanyahu outlined his vision for Gaza’s future during the press conference. According to the TOI report, he reiterated his commitment to dismantling the leadership and military capabilities of Hamas, asserting that a post-war Gaza would require a different form of governance — one that is non-terrorist in nature.

In response to questions about the reconstruction of Gaza after the conflict, Netanyahu highlighted the need to destroy both the military and civilian capacities of Hamas. He outlined a vision where a new administration, free from terrorist affiliations, would be established in Gaza, the report in the TOI said.  Netanyahu explicitly stated that this administration should not promote hatred, making an apparent reference to the Palestinian Authority and its textbooks, which have been criticized for featuring incitement against Israel and denying its right to exist.

Smotrich took a more assertive stance, declaring that Israel should administer Gaza after the war. According to Smotrich, there should be an Israeli military administration in Gaza to ensure both military and civil control, as was indicated in the TOI report. He argued that this is necessary for maintaining stability in the region, asserting that no one else is equipped to handle the task.

When questioned about an upcoming conference in Jerusalem focusing on reviving Jewish settlements in Gaza, Netanyahu clarified that decisions about the “day after” Gaza are made by the full cabinet. While some ministers and members of the Knesset (MKs) from his coalition are expected to attend the conference, Netanyahu emphasized that their participation does not necessarily dictate government policy, according to the information provided in the TOI report.  He reiterated his opposition to renewed Jewish settlements in Gaza, asserting that his stance on the matter has not changed.

The prospect of Israeli administration in Gaza raises concerns among Israel’s international allies, as the idea of renewed settlements is met with resistance from the broader international community, the report in the TOI said.

Netanyahu also engaged in a series of tense exchanges with news reporters during a recent press conference, reflecting the heightened tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, according to the TOI report.

In one particularly combative moment, Netanyahu accused journalists of “fighting me” as he fights Hamas in Gaza. He dismissed a question from a Calcalist reporter about government funding for organizations that assist certain Israelis in avoiding military service, labeling it as biased, unfair, and inaccurate, as per the TOI report. Netanyahu perceived the question as an attempt to sow division within Israel, emphasizing the unity achieved amid the war as a significant achievement.

When pressed further on the issue, Netanyahu pointed out the substantial contributions of Haredi individuals to the Israeli society, including volunteering for challenging tasks such as collecting bodies in organizations like ZAKA and participating in the army, as was noted in the TOI report. I However, he did not directly address concerns about funding for organizations facilitating exemptions from military service.

Another contentious moment arose when Netanyahu was questioned about Likud MK Tally Gotliv’s dissemination of conspiracy theories implicating opposition figures in collusion with Hamas before the attacks, as was reported by the TOI. Netanyahu distanced himself from Gotliv’s comments, stating that his office had condemned her remarks. However, when Channel 13’s Matan Hodorov suggested a more forceful condemnation of baseless claims, Netanyahu accused him of attacking rather than asking questions.

Regarding Israel’s relations with Egypt and Qatar, key mediators with Hamas regarding hostage releases, Netanyahu brushed off suggestions that strained ties may hinder efforts to secure captives’ release, the TOI report said. He maintained that Israel’s relationship with Egypt remained intact and criticized Qatar for hosting Hamas leaders and funding the organization. Netanyahu urged Qatar to use its influence to pressure Hamas into returning hostages and facilitating the delivery of essential medicines to them, the report in the TOI added.