FALCON POWERS – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that “more must be done” to counter pro-Palestinian protests that have spread across American universities in recent weeks.
In a recorded speech, Netanyahu stated, “What is happening on American campuses is horrifying,” and accused “anti-Semitic thugs” of taking control of prominent universities.
He added, “This is unreasonable. It must be stopped and condemned, unequivocally… The response from some university presidents has been shameful. Now, fortunately, the response from many federal, state, and local officials has been different, but more must be done. More must be done.” Protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza have escalated in American university campuses in recent weeks as the Gaza war enters its seventh month.
Pro-Palestinian protesters have called for a ceasefire and the divestment of their universities from companies with ties to Israel.
Universities have released information about dozens of students without their consent, leading to their suspension and some arrests by the police.
Some Jewish and Israeli students and faculty members have stated that the protests have turned campuses into hostile environments where they feel endangered.
Instances of anti-Semitism on campuses have also been reported. Additionally, some Jewish individuals have played prominent roles in anti-war protests, including groups like Jewish Voice for Peace, which has led some of the demonstrations.
On the other hand, social media in North America, Canada, Australia, and several European capitals have been filled with jokes mocking the statements of Israeli officials, which attempt to downplay the massacre carried out by Israeli soldiers in Gaza and to exaggerate any peaceful solidarity actions from around the world, while spreading falsehoods and denials around the clock.
