Netanyahu Responds to New York Times Investigation: “Defamatory, Not About Political Survival”

Netanyahu’s Criticism of the New York Times

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a strong rebuttal to a recent investigation by the New York Times, which scrutinizes his administration’s handling of the conflict during Operation “Iron Swords”. In an extensive response issued late Friday, Netanyahu labeled the report as defamation, stating that it relies on quotations from “supporters of officials who previously urged me to end the war as demanded by Hamas-who have since been replaced.”

Allegations in the Investigation

According to the New York Times investigation, Netanyahu’s management of the conflict allegedly exacerbated threats leading up to the October 7 attack, hindered opportunities for a swift conclusion to the fighting, and extended the conflict into additional arenas. The report claims that Netanyahu rejected proposals for a ceasefire, dismissed partnerships with the opposition, and engaged in document alterations while attempting to shift blame onto the military. Ultimately, he purportedly catalyzed a regional escalation that weakened Iran, Hezbollah, and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Netanyahu’s Defense

In his response, Netanyahu asserted that the New York Times article rehashes “false statements from political activists that have already been disproved,” and accused it of tarnishing Israel, its brave citizens, and himself. He emphasized that his strategic decisions and those of his cabinet led Israel to achieve start of the most remarkable military comebacks in its history. In his view, the belief that Israel was massively weakened on October 7 has been disproven by the current regional strength of the nation, while its adversaries face unprecedented humiliation.

Netanyahu, alongside former U.S. President Donald Trump, contended that his leadership has transformed the Middle East and created unprecedented peace opportunities. He cited the ongoing battle against Hamas, which allegedly hides among Palestinian civilians, as part of his administration’s commitment to national security. He remarked on the heavy toll of civilian casualties, suggesting that Hamas’ use of human shields is responsible for the deaths of many innocent individuals.

Significant Military Achievements

The New York Times article highlighted how the prolonged conflict and subsequent military achievements post-October 7 have diminished the Iranian axis and dismantled the “ring of fire” that Iran had constructed around Israel. Netanyahu underscored that his leadership resulted in significant military strikes against Hezbollah and the dismantling of arms caches belonging to the Assad regime, alongside targeted assassinations of notable terrorist leaders, while also confronting the Iranian nuclear threat.

In bolstering his defense, Netanyahu stated that the military successes would not have been possible had he accepted the recommendations of senior security officials who urged him to accept Hamas’s conditions to end the conflict early. He asserted that those officials, whose supporters were quoted extensively in the investigation, have since been replaced, and cited statistics revealing that 205 out of 255 hostages have been returned under his leadership.

Commitment to Security and Future Goals

Netanyahu refuted claims that he was preoccupied with his political survival during the conflict, insisting instead that his primary focus has been the mission of ensuring the future and survival of the Jewish state. He pledged to continue pursuing Israel’s strategic interests in an ever-complex geopolitical landscape, emphasizing a commitment to national security amidst ongoing challenges.

By addressing the New York Times’ allegations directly, Netanyahu aims to clarify the complexities of the situation while reinforcing his administration’s stance on national defense and regional security