Netanyahu deflects Gaza pressure during Holocaust ceremony

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defiantly responded to international calls for a ceasefire in Gaza during a speech on Israel’s Holocaust memorial day, indicating that Israel is prepared to act independently if necessary. Netanyahu’s strong stance came amidst global condemnation of the protracted military conflict with Hamas, which has led to significant civilian casualties.

During the annual Holocaust remembrance ceremonies, which are usually apolitical, Netanyahu used the occasion to assert Israel’s right to self-defense, directly addressing global leaders and rejecting any international resolutions that might prevent Israel from taking military action. His speech underscored a commitment to continuing the military strategy in Gaza, particularly targeting the city of Rafah, despite the large number of civilians seeking refuge there.

Netanyahu emphasized the theme of “Never again,” a phrase resonant with the memory of the Holocaust, during which six million Jews were killed. This year’s remembrance was particularly poignant, coming after the deadliest attack on Jews since World War II, carried out by Hamas on October 7, which left approximately 1,200 Israelis dead.

In response to the violence, Israel launched a significant military offensive in Gaza, resulting in over 34,500 deaths and massive displacement within the region. These actions have led to international scrutiny and accusations against Israel, including a genocide case filed by South Africa at the U.N.’s world court, which Israel vehemently denies.

The Holocaust memorial event started on Sunday evening at Yad Vashem, Israel’s national Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, marking a somber day of reflection, especially significant given the current conflict.

Amid these events, antisemitism has reportedly surged globally, with significant increases in attacks and incidents in the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, particularly following the outbreak of the conflict in October. This rise in antisemitism has been described as the worst since the Holocaust, according to a report by Tel Aviv University and the Anti-Defamation League.

Netanyahu also drew parallels between recent protests on U.S. campuses and pre-Holocaust antisemitism in German universities during the 1930s, emphasizing the severe nature of the current global antisemitic wave. This comparison highlights the heightened tensions and the complex interplay of historical memory and contemporary geopolitical conflicts.