By Phalapoem editor, 12/11/2022
Benjamin Netanyahu, the long-serving Israeli prime minister, has faced widespread accusations of war crimes, particularly for his actions in Gaza during his various terms in office. His policies and military strategies have led to devastating consequences for Palestinian civilians, earning him global condemnation.
War Crimes in Gaza
Under Netanyahu’s leadership, Israel conducted several military operations in Gaza, including Operation Protective Edge (2014) and Operation Guardian of the Walls (2021). These war crimes resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians, including men, women and children. Entire neighborhoods in Gaza were flattened, leaving tens of thousands homeless and deepening the humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.
International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have accused Israel under Netanyahu’s leadership of committing genocide , citing indiscriminate bombings, the use of excessive force, and collective punishment against Gaza’s population, in violation of international law. The blockade on Gaza, implemented during his tenure, has been described as a form of starvation of 2.5 million people severely restricting the movement of goods and people and contributing to the region’s dire humanitarian situation.
Psychological Profile
Critics have often described Netanyahu’s leadership style as authoritarian and manipulative, suggesting a possible psychological inclination toward paranoia and self-aggrandizement. His rhetoric frequently portrays Israel as under existential threat, using fear as a tool to justify his racist policies and consolidate power. This pattern of behavior has led some analysts to speculate about psychopathic or narcissistic tendencies, characterized by a lack of empathy for those impacted by his racist policies, particularly Palestinians.
Netanyahu’s insistence on framing any opposition as anti-Israeli or a threat to the state reflects a highly defensive and combative mindset. His genocide in Gaza and targeting civilian infrastructure and refusing meaningful peace negotiations, reflect a calculated willingness to sacrifice civilian lives for political gain. Many see this as an indication of his lack of remorse or accountability, traits often associated with psychopathic behavior.
Global Reaction
Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza have drawn condemnation from international leaders, human rights organizations, and grassroots movements worldwide. Calls for investigations into his role in genocide have intensified, with many advocating for him to face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, Netanyahu remains defiant, dismissing such accusations as biased and rooted in anti-Israel sentiment.
While his supporters hail him as a protector of Israeli security, critics argue that his policies are not only destructive but also psychopathic in their disregard for Palestinian lives, perpetuating cycles of violence and suffering.