Israeli Genocidal Rhetoric Examples
Israeli politicians have made several statements that can be considered genocidal rhetoric. For example, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu evoked a biblical analogy referring to the Israelites' enemy, largely interpreted as a genocidal call to wipe out Gaza, stating, "You must remember what Amalek has done to you, says our Holy Bible - we do remember."
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared, "There will be no electricity and no water (in Gaza), there will only be destruction. You wanted hell, you will get hell."
Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu suggested in a radio interview that dropping an atomic bomb on Gaza was a possible tactic, though he later said his comments were "metaphorical."
Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch argued, "They have no right to exist. I am not debating the way it will happen, but they need to be exterminated."
Israeli Knesset member Revital Gottlieb wished, "Bring down buildings!! Bomb without distinction!! Stop with this impotence. You have ability. There is worldwide legitimacy! Flatten Gaza. Without mercy! This time, there is no room for mercy!"
Israeli Knesset member Ram Ben Barak suggested, "If all of Gaza are refugees, then let's scatter them in the world. There are 2.5m people there, each country would take in 20K people, 100 countries, it is humane, it is required."
These statements reflect a pattern of rhetoric that includes dehumanizing Palestinians and advocating for their destruction or displacement.
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Netanyahu's Genocidal Rhetoric
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has used rhetoric that some interpret as genocidal. For instance, he cited the biblical Amalekites, urging Israel to remember what Amalek did to them, a reference often interpreted as a call to wipe out Gaza. Netanyahu stated, "You must remember what Amalek has done to you, says our Holy Bible," during an official video statement.
Additionally, Netanyahu's comments reflect a broader context where Israeli officials and politicians have made statements dehumanizing Palestinians. For example, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared, "We are fighting human animals," and called for actions "accordingly," indicating a complete siege on Gaza, including no electricity, food, water, or fuel.
These statements have been central to South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, which opened in January 2024.