Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stirred public outrage this week. He described the delay of his son’s wedding as a “personal cost” of the war with Iran. Many Israelis called the comment tone-deaf and self-centered, according to The Guardian.
He Speaks at a Bombed Hospital
Netanyahu made the statement while standing in front of Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva. An Iranian missile had struck the hospital the day before. While addressing the media, he compared Israel’s current crisis to Britain’s World War II experience. “It reminds me of the British people during the Blitz. We are going through a Blitz,” he said.
He Highlights Family Sacrifices
To connect with the public, Netanyahu shared his own family’s struggles. He mentioned that his son Avner’s wedding had been postponed for a second time due to security threats. He said the situation had affected not only his son but also his son’s fiancée and his wife, Sara. “There are people who were killed, families who grieved loved ones, I really appreciate that,” Netanyahu said. “Each of us bears a personal cost, and my family has not been exempt.” He also praised his wife, saying, “Sara is a hero.”
Public Reaction Is Swift and Harsh
Soon after his comments, backlash spread quickly across social media and political circles. Critics accused Netanyahu of focusing on his personal inconvenience while the nation faces real pain.
So far, Israeli officials have confirmed 24 civilian deaths due to the conflict. In contrast, human rights groups in the U.S. estimate that Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 263 Iranian civilians.
Reports of Wedding Plans Spark More Anger
Public frustration grew when reports revealed Netanyahu might still attend the rescheduled wedding on Monday. The event was originally planned for November but was delayed due to earlier unrest. Despite ongoing fighting and planned protests, Netanyahu appeared ready to move forward with the celebration.
Families of Hostages Speak Out
Anat Angrest, whose son has been held hostage in Gaza since October 2023, expressed her pain in a social media post. “I’ve been in the hellish dungeons of Gaza for 622 days now,” she wrote on X.
Lawmakers Join the Criticism
Opposition leaders condemned Netanyahu’s remarks. Gilad Kariv, a Democratic Knesset member, called him a “borderless narcissist.” “I know many families who were not forced to postpone a wedding, but who will now never celebrate the weddings that were once meant to take place,” Kariv said.
He also pushed back against Netanyahu’s praise for his wife. “The doctors who leave home for night shifts are the heroes. The teachers who keep our children together on Zoom and phone calls are the heroes.”
Journalists Add Their Voice
Journalist Amir Tibon also criticized the prime minister. He said Netanyahu often focuses on his image, even in difficult moments. “But there are no surprises with Netanyahu,” Tibon said. “Even in moments when a personal example is most needed, he is first and foremost concerned with himself.”
