In a Sky News Australia interview, PM Netanyahu blasted Canberra and global media for spreading “medieval blood libels,” defending Israel’s war strategy and vowing to defeat Hamas while rejecting accusations of genocide.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a fierce counterattack against accusations that Israel is committing genocide or deliberately starving Palestinians in Gaza, branding such claims as nothing more than “medieval blood libels.”
Speaking to Sky News Australia, Netanyahu accused the Albanese government and sympathetic media outlets of fueling lies:
“Israel is starving Palestinian children? What lies. We’ve brought in two million tons of food since the start of the war — that’s a ton per person.”
He squarely blamed Hamas for Gaza’s food shortages, alleging the terror group hijacks aid and resells it at inflated prices, while stressing that Israel has gone to “unprecedented lengths” to protect civilians — issuing millions of evacuation calls and text alerts.
“No army has done what Israel has done,” Netanyahu argued, contrasting the IDF’s actions with Allied bombing campaigns in World War II. “We shepherd civilians to safety. Hamas shoots them if they try to leave.”
The Prime Minister warned Western governments that by tolerating anti-Israel narratives, they are inviting radicalism into their own societies:
“If you don’t take a stand, the crocodile will get you in the end.”
Turning his sights on Australia, Netanyahu expressed sharp disappointment over Canberra’s UN votes backing Palestinian statehood, accusing it of rewarding terrorism:
“We’re not going to commit suicide by putting another Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv. We already had one in Gaza. They turned it into a network of terror tunnels.”
He praised Donald Trump’s unwavering support and credited the former U.S. president with advancing the Abraham Accords, drawing a stark contrast with Australia’s current policies.
Despite the war, Netanyahu insisted Israel’s ultimate goal is not occupation but liberation:
“Our goal is not to occupy Gaza — it’s to free it. Free Gazans from Hamas tyranny. Free Israel from Hamas terror. We can’t leave them there. That would be like leaving the SS in Germany.”
On potential ceasefire talks, Netanyahu was blunt: no agreement is possible without the disarmament of Hamas and release of all hostages, about 50 in total, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive. “This war could end today if Hamas lays down its arms.”
He also suggested that momentum is shifting within Gaza itself, claiming some civilians are now actively resisting Hamas rule and seeking liberation.
Closing the interview, Netanyahu urged a revival of the once-strong Israel–Australia alliance, invoking shared democratic values:
“We had a great relationship. I think it’s gone astray because leaders failed to show strength. But we will win this war — and Australians will understand.”
