Netanyahu Condemns U.S. Campus Protests Against Israel's Gaza War, Calls them 'Horrific' and 'Antisemitic'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly condemned pro-Palestinian student protests at U.S. universities, labeling them as 'horrific' and 'antisemitic.' In a video message, Netanyahu accused the demonstrators of 'taking over' leading universities and attacking Jewish students and faculty.

The protests have erupted in response to Israel's ongoing military assault on Gaza, leading to arrests and class cancellations at institutions like Columbia University. Netanyahu demanded that more action be taken by state, local, and federal officials to address the demonstrations, which he described as 'unconscionable.'

"They're not only calling for the annihilation of Israel and the death of Jews, they're calling for the death of America," Netanyahu said, indicating a broader antisemitic surge. He called on Jews and non-Jews alike to "stand up, speak up, and be counted" to stop antisemitism.

The Israeli government has labeled the Columbia University protesters as 'terrorists' who are 'openly supporting terror.' School administrators are facing a challenging balance between permitting free expression and maintaining safe and inclusive campuses.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed Netanyahu's criticisms, calling on the president of Columbia University to resign if he cannot stop the "hatred and antisemitism." Johnson visited Columbia to urge action, including potentially deploying the National Guard. Every Republican member of New York's congressional delegation has called for Columbia's president to resign.

Why this matters: The protests and accusations of antisemitism on U.S. college campuses reflect the growing tensions and polarization surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The situation is testing the limits of free speech and the responsibilities of university administrators in maintaining order and protecting students.

While protest groups have rejected the characterization of their demonstrations as antisemitic, stating they firmly reject hate and bigotry, concerns have been raised over the safety of Jewish students. Netanyahu claimed the world is seeing an "exponential rise" in antisemitism in America and the West. As the Israel-Hamas war continues, the protests and divisions on U.S. campuses show no signs of abating, with more confrontations between protesters and authorities expected in the coming days.

Key Takeaways

• Netanyahu condemns pro-Palestinian protests at US universities as "horrific" and "antisemitic".
• Protests erupt in response to Israel's military assault on Gaza, leading to arrests and class cancellations.
• Netanyahu accuses protesters of calling for the "annihilation of Israel and the death of Jews".
• US House Speaker Johnson calls for Columbia University president to resign if he cannot stop "hatred and antisemitism".
• Protests and accusations of antisemitism reflect growing tensions around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on US campuses.