'Delay a 'personal cost' of war': Netanyahu as he postpones son's wedding, draws flak for remark
PTC News Desk: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under intense criticism after referring to the postponement of his son’s wedding as a "personal cost" of the ongoing conflict with Iran — a statement many Israelis have condemned as insensitive and self-absorbed. He made the remarks while speaking near Soroka Hospital, which had been struck by an Iranian missile just a day earlier.
Speaking solemnly in front of a missile-damaged Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva, Netanyahu invoked the spirit of Britain during the Blitz, likening Israel's current crisis to the World War II bombings. "It reminds me of the British people during the Blitz. We are going through a Blitz," he said, attempting to draw parallels between his family's experience and the hardships of everyday Israelis.
The prime minister pointed to the rescheduling of his son Avner's wedding - for a second time due to security concerns - as an example of the sacrifices his family has made. He noted that the postponement had also deeply affected Avner's fiance and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, calling her "a hero" for enduring the disappointment.
"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."
The comments sparked widespread backlash online and across the political spectrum, with critics accusing Netanyahu of being out of touch with the hardships of war and more focused on his personal narrative than the public’s suffering.
Public anger intensified following reports that Netanyahu intended to take time off for his son’s wedding, scheduled for Monday, despite the ongoing conflict and looming anti-government protests. The wedding was initially planned for November but had been called off earlier due to security concerns.
- With inputs from agencies
