Netanyahu: ‘Israel’ fights radical Islam threatening the world
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- Netanyahu frames Gaza conflict as part of global battle against extremism.
- Criticisms of ‘Israel’ human rights record clash with his narrative of defending civilization.
In a recent interview with The Economist, ‘Israel’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the conflict in Gaza as part of a “huge battle” between civilization and extremist forces. He claimed radical groups aim to return the world to “the early middle ages” through unimaginable violence.
Netanyahu highlighted graphic acts of violence by Hamas fighters, including mutilations and hostage-taking, to emphasize what he called the existential threat. He said ‘Israel’ is not only defending itself but also protecting Western civilization and Christians in the Middle East.
The Prime Minister defended ‘Israel’s' military tactics, arguing that the army avoided large-scale bombing to limit civilian casualties, despite facing complex urban warfare, extensive tunnel networks, and heavily booby-trapped areas.
Journalist Zanny Minton Beddoes challenged Netanyahu on ‘Israel’’s human rights record, noting the high civilian death toll in Gaza and growing international criticism. Netanyahu countered that his forces have operated with restraint compared to other global conflicts.
Netanyahu concluded that failing to confront extremist groups could allow them to spread violence to Europe and America, framing the war as a global struggle rather than a local war.
