Benjamin Netanyahu: Apologize? Of course, I’m very sorry

Prime Minister IsraelIn an interview with Time magazine, the war in the gas belt and the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 were mentioned. As the magazine writes, the head of the government “has not apologized for leaving Israel defenseless against this attack for 10 months”. “His only apology was a post on social media blaming his own security chief for failing to prevent the attack,” the publication states. Therefore, the first question of the conversation, the newspaper writes, is whether he will apologize.

Also read: “Netanyahu does not want to end this war because the end of the war will be his own.”

“Apologize?” Netanyahu asked. “Of course. I’m very sorry that this happened. You always look back and say, could we have done something to prevent it?” – he added.

Israel’s prime minister reiterated that East Jerusalem and the occupied Palestinian territories of the West Bank are “part of our homeland.” “We intend to stay there,” he declared, as reported by US magazine, which could mean that the chances of a two-state solution are even more remote.

As Time magazine noted, the politician still has no credible plan to end the war or a vision for how Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace. Instead, it is preparing to escalate the conflict on more fronts: in the north, Hezbollah is Lebanonin the Persian Gulf Set watt Yemen Most importantly Iran.

“We are facing not only a war with Hamas,” Netanyahu said. “We are facing (…) the Iranian axis and we understand that we need to organize ourselves to ensure a stronger defense,” he added.

According to Time magazine, if the Gaza war turns into a regional conflict, the consequences for Israel and the world will be unpredictable. USA The West risks being drawn into further difficult events in the Middle East. Israelis are increasingly concerned that the war that was started to save Israel is threatening it. One of their deepest fears is that the escalation of violence and the image of Israel it shapes for future generations will undermine the country’s survival and identity.

For Netanyahu, who claims to be waging a war of survival, this is a risk he is aware of but willing to take, according to Time magazine. “Being destroyed would have greater consequences for Israel’s security,” he said. “I would rather receive negative press than a good obituary,” he added.

The prime minister again expressed his opposition to the creation of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state. He said he would allow Palestinians limited autonomy in the occupied territories, while Israel would primarily control security.

“I would like to see a civilian government run by the people of Gaza, perhaps with the support of regional partners,” Netanyahu said. “Demilitarized Israel, civilian administration of Gaza,” he explained.

Time magazine interviewed the Israeli Prime Minister on August 4 at his office in Jerusalem.