Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly rejected claims that Israel is committing genocide or deliberately starving civilians in Gaza in an interview with Sky News Australia, accusing the Albanese government in Australia and some media outlets of spreading what he called “medieval blood libels.”
“It’s the same lies,” he said. “Israel is starving Palestinian children? What lies. We’ve brought in 2 million tons of food since the start of the war — that’s a ton per person.”
Netanyahu blamed Hamas for food shortages in Gaza, alleging the militant group steals aid and sells it to civilians at inflated prices. He also defended Israel’s military tactics, claiming the IDF goes to “unprecedented lengths” to avoid civilian casualties, including issuing millions of evacuation warnings via text and phone calls.
“No army has done what Israel has done,” he said, contrasting Israeli efforts with the tactics of Allied forces in World War II. “We try to shepherd people to safe places. Hamas shoots them if they try to leave.”
The Prime Minister also warned that by failing to oppose anti-Israel narratives, Western leaders are inviting radicalism into their own societies.
“If you don’t take a stand, the crocodile will get you in the end,” he said.
Netanyahu expressed disappointment with the Australian government’s recent votes at the United Nations, calling them “dismaying” and accusing Canberra of rewarding terrorism by backing Palestinian statehood efforts.
“We’re not going to commit suicide by putting another Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv,” he said. “We already had one in Gaza. They turned it into a network of terror tunnels.”
The Prime Minister contrasted Australia’s position with the steadfast support from former U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he credited with helping forge the Abraham Accords.
Despite ongoing war, Netanyahu reaffirmed his vision for a peaceful future anchored in “peace through strength,” reiterating his commitment to eliminating Hamas from Gaza while ultimately improving conditions for its civilians.
“Our goal is not to occupy Gaza — it’s to free it,” he said. “Free Gazans from Hamas tyranny. Free Israel from Hamas terror. We can’t leave them there – that would be like leaving the SS in Germany.”
Asked about recent reports suggesting Hamas is nearing a ceasefire agreement, Netanyahu was blunt: any deal must involve the full disarmament of the group and the release of all remaining hostages — around 50, with at least 20 believed alive.
“This war could end today if Hamas lays down its arms,” he said.
He also noted what he described as a shift in sentiment within Gaza itself, claiming some civilians are now actively fighting Hamas and calling for liberation.
Netanyahu ended the interview with a call to revive the once-strong Israel-Australia relationship, invoking shared history and values.
“We had a great relationship. I think it’s gone astray because leaders failed to show strength and conviction,” he said. “But we will win this war, and once we do, I believe Australians will understand.”