'Worst Savagery Against Jews Since Holocaust' | Benjamin Netanyahu v Douglas Murray | Full Interview

Summary

In an interview, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu discusses the October 7th attacks by Hamas, calling it the 'worst violence' against Jews since the Holocaust. He acknowledges failures in Israel's response, but says total victory over Hamas is necessary despite international pressure to end the Gaza war quickly. Netanyahu touches on the threat from Hezbollah, states Qatar must use its influence over Hamas for hostage releases, and argues Iran's nuclear and regional ambitions must be blocked. He refutes that his government misunderstood Hamas' intentions and defends his legacy, saying he is dedicated to ensuring Israel's strength and security.

Takeaways

• 😡 Netanyahu believes Hamas wanted to annihilate every Jew and destroy Israel.
• 😟 The attacks on October 7th were the worst violence against Jews since the Holocaust according to Netanyahu.
• 😠 Netanyahu says Israel now has the capacity to defend itself and fight back against Hamas.
• 😐 Netanyahu believes only military pressure will get Hamas to release hostages.
• 😯 Netanyahu says UNRWA perpetuates the Palestinian refugee status and some workers aided the October 7th attacks.
• 🤔 Netanyahu thinks Iran wants to conquer the Middle East and threaten Europe and the US with nuclear weapons.
• 😣 Netanyahu says the Iran nuclear deal did not stop Iran's nuclear ambitions and gave them money for terrorism.
• 😡 Netanyahu is determined to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
• 🤨 Netanyahu believes Hamas and Hezbollah are part of Iran's terror axis.
• 😕 Netanyahu says he is dedicating his efforts to ensuring Israel's strength, power and permanence.

Q & A

What mistakes does Netanyahu admit Israel made on October 7th?

Netanyahu says Israel failed in protecting its people on October 7th and there were quite a few things that went wrong operationally. He says the failures will be examined when the war is over.

How does Netanyahu compare Hamas to the Nazis?

Netanyahu says the difference between Hamas and the Nazis is not in intent, as both want to annihilate Jews, but in capability. He says Israel now has the capacity to defend itself, unlike during the Holocaust.

What does Netanyahu say is needed to defeat Hamas in Gaza?

Netanyahu says total victory over Hamas is needed in Gaza, with sustained demilitarization that can only be handled by Israel. He also says Gaza needs internal management that does not teach children to become terrorists.

What does Netanyahu say about Iran's goals?

Netanyahu says Iran has a radical Islamic theology that points them in the direction of not just conquering the Middle East but global domination. He says they view Israel and the US as the small and great Satan.

How does Netanyahu respond to criticism of civilian casualties?

Netanyahu says Israel is minimizing civilian casualties against an enemy that targets civilians and hides behind civilians, which is a double war crime. He says Israel is trying not to give immunity to terrorists hiding among civilians.

What does Netanyahu say Qatar should do regarding Hamas?

Netanyahu expects Qatar to use its influence over Hamas to achieve the release of Israeli hostages and deliver medicines. He says Qatar has considerable leverage over Hamas.

What are Netanyahu's views on dealing with Hezbollah militarily?

Netanyahu says Israel will remove the threat from Hezbollah on its northern border either diplomatically or militarily if needed. He is determined to achieve this, with international support if possible but alone if necessary.

How does Netanyahu describe the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran?

Netanyahu says a nuclear-armed Iran could threaten Europe, the US, and the civilized world. He says unlike other nuclear states, Iran may not have a careful cost-benefit calculus guiding its actions due to its radical theology.

What does Netanyahu say allowed Hamas's October 7th attack on Israel?

Netanyahu says the domestic and international consensus was not there earlier to fully dismantle Hamas in Gaza. He says the October 7th attack created the conditions to sustain the current effort to achieve total victory over Hamas.

Does Netanyahu care about his political legacy?

Netanyahu says he does not care about legacy. He says he is dedicating his efforts to ensuring Israel's strength, power and prosperity to assure the permanence of the Jewish state.