Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently condemned student-led protests at U.S. colleges and universities against Israel’s war in Gaza, calling them “unconscionable” and urging for them to be condemned unequivocally. Netanyahu argued that antisemitic mobs have taken over leading universities, accusing protesters of calling for the annihilation of Israel and attacking Jewish students and faculty. He also compared the protests to events in German universities in the 1930s.
Student protesters have been arrested at various universities, including Columbia, Yale, and the University of Texas at Austin, but the majority of protests have been nonviolent. However, there have been allegations of antisemitic rhetoric during the demonstrations, leading to widespread condemnation from various officials, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Joe Biden. Specific incidents of antisemitic chants and threats have been reported, with Jewish students alleging they were targeted for their faith.
FBI Director Christopher Wray has stated that the agency is working with universities to stay ahead of threats of violence related to the protests. Netanyahu also criticized university presidents for their responses, calling them “shameful” without naming specific universities or presidents. Lawmakers have joined in calling for the resignation of university presidents, including Columbia president Nemat Shafik. Donors and alumni have also threatened to withhold funding from universities over their handling of the protests.
Netanyahu claims there has been an exponential rise in antisemitism in America and Western societies as Israel defends itself against genocidal terrorists. He argues that Israel is falsely accused of genocide and war crimes, despite accusations of genocide against Israel being made in the UN International Court of Justice. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis, according to Hamas officials.
Student-led protests continue at universities across the country, with clashes between protesters and law enforcement occurring at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Southern California. Columbia University has been a focal point for protests, with officials facing criticism from lawmakers and donors over their response to the demonstrations. The protests have sparked a larger conversation about free speech, antisemitism, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on college campuses.
