“Israel’s Fighting YOUR War” - Netanyahu ADMITS Genocide, Slams AIPAC Critics & Trump Owning Gaza

Israel's War

Netanyahu framed the war against Hamas and its proxies as part of a larger existential struggle involving Iran's regional ambitions. He described the October 7 Hamas attack as the most brutal assault on the Jewish people since the Holocaust, motivating Israel's fierce military response. This conflict, he asserted, is not isolated to Hamas alone but is the manifestation of a broader "Iran axis" that includes proxies like Hezbollah, the Syrian regime, and the Houthis in Yemen, all supported and armed by Tehran.

He stressed that defeating Hamas was essential, but equally important was undermining Iran's capacity to wage war and expand its influence. Netanyahu portrayed Iran as an invincible enemy attempting to build nuclear weapons and ballistic missile capabilities that could reach Europe and even the U.S. He noted that Iran's hostility extends beyond Israel, threatening the entire Western civilization and their Arab neighbors alike.

He asserted that Israel's fight is effectively the West's fight against "barbarians," suggesting that Israel's victory would also mean victory for its Western allies. Despite this multi-front engagement, Netanyahu insisted that Israel was approaching the final stages of the conflict, focusing on eradicating terror threats from Gaza.

U.S.-Israel Relations

One of the more provocative topics was Netanyahu's rejection of allegations that Israel controls the United States or coerces American foreign policy. He bluntly called such claims "hokum" and emphasized the independence of U.S. decision-making, particularly under President Trump. Netanyahu said Trump acted based on what he saw as America's interests, not under Israel's influence, and was forceful and direct about it.

Contrasting Trump with Joe Biden, Netanyahu acknowledged tension during Biden's administration, especially as criticism of Israeli military actions increased in international media and among American politicians. He recounted instances where Biden threatened arms embargoes if Israel advanced further into Gaza, which Netanyahu opposed, insisting Israel would "fight with our fingernails" to protect its people despite American pressure. This highlighted the complex balancing act Israel maintains with its key ally, displaying both dependency and sovereignty in decision making.

Would the Hamas Attack Have Happened Under Trump?

The interview touched on a question many ask: would the Hamas attack of October 7 have taken place if Trump were still U.S. president? Netanyahu said it is hard to say definitively but speculated that Iran and its proxies might have been more cautious under Trump's tougher posture. While he did not firmly claim the attack would have been prevented, he suggested the previous administration's assertiveness likely deterred some aggression.

He praised Trump's leadership for reasserting America's dominance in global affairs and strengthening the U.S.-Israel alliance. Netanyahu also underlined that this alliance is unique because Israel acts as a committed military ally who shares intelligence through the so-called "sixth eye" added to the Five Eyes intelligence network and provides advanced weaponry that also benefits American defense.

Economic Impact of War

The massive financial toll of the war was discussed candidly. Netanyahu acknowledged that the conflict costs Israel approximately $120 to $130 billion, and the debt-to-GDP ratio had risen from 60% to 75%. However, he expressed confidence in Israel's economic resilience, attributing this to decades of free-market reforms and the country's vibrant innovation ecosystem.

He highlighted Israel's transformation into an economic powerhouse, with high per capita income, strong foreign investment—particularly from the United States—and significant contributions to global technology and medicine. Netanyahu suggested that despite the war's cost, Israel's economic foundation remains solid, and the country is prepared to sustain the expenditure required for its security.

International Criminal Court and Criticism

Addressing international criticism and accusations of war crimes, Netanyahu vehemently defended Israel's actions as legitimate self-defense. He dismissed the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a politically biased and corrupt institution used as a weapon against Israel to delegitimize its right to protect its citizens. He cited personal scandals involving ICC officials to undermine the court's credibility.

He likened Israel's vilification to historical figures such as Winston Churchill, who was initially disparaged for warning about Nazi Germany. Netanyahu argued that Israel's firm military response is necessary and justified given the existential threats it faces and the nature of its enemies. He maintained that many criticisms stem from manipulated social media campaigns and lack a substantive understanding of the conflict's realities.

The Future of Gaza

An interesting moment in the interview was Netanyahu's reaction to a Trump clip where the former president suggested the United States might take over Gaza to reconstruct it and create jobs. Netanyahu said he was not surprised by Trump's statement and found the proposal "sensible" in terms of offering Gazans freedom and a new future, free from Hamas tyranny.

He expressed openness to American governance or investment in Gaza if that was a U.S. decision, emphasizing that what matters is civilian governance that does not promote terrorism or incitement against Israel. Netanyahu acknowledged that some Palestinians in Gaza now actively oppose Hamas and collaborate with Israel, indicating potential for change after the conflict.

Recognition of Genocides

In a historical concession, Netanyahu confirmed for the first time in a public setting that Israel officially recognizes the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek genocides carried out by Turkey, responding to concerns from diaspora communities and international observers. He indicated that the Knesset had passed resolutions affirming this recognition, clarifying Israel's stance on genocide beyond the Holocaust.

This acknowledgment was welcomed by the podcast host and audience as an important gesture of solidarity with affected communities and a broader affirmation of Israel's commitment to human rights and historical truth.

Iran's Historical and Present Impact

The conversation explored Iran's transformation post-1979 Islamic Revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini. Netanyahu contrasted the relative peace and development during the Shah's reign with the revolutionary regime's focus on exporting terror and destabilizing the region. He depicted the regime as a dire threat not only to Israel but also to the Iranian people themselves, citing environmental degradation and economic collapse under the clerical government.

Netanyahu described his own outreach to the Iranian population via social media, offering support and aid if they could overthrow the current regime, emphasizing Israel's openness to a peaceful and prosperous Iran free from extremist rule.

Conclusion

Throughout the interview, Netanyahu portrayed Israel as a small but formidable "badger" standing up to much larger threats with resilience, ingenuity, and determination born from historical trauma. He emphasized the special U.S.-Israel alliance as rooted in shared values and mutual benefit, not coercion. While acknowledging disagreements between leaders and shifts in American policy, particularly under Biden, he reaffirmed the enduring strength of this partnership.