Netanyahu says Europe has ‘much to learn’ from Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Monday that Europe has “much to learn” from Israel, accusing the continent of suffering from “deep moral weakness.” Speaking during Israel’s official Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony, Netanyahu said Europe had forgotten the distinction between “good and evil.” “Europe today is afflicted by deep moral weakness. It has much to learn from us, especially the essential lesson of the clear moral distinction between good and evil,” he stated.

Netanyahu: Israel defends civilization

Netanyahu argued that moments like the current one require “going to war for the sake of what’s good, for the sake of life.” He also claimed Europe is losing its ability to defend “its identity and values” and that Israel is defending Europe and “civilization against barbarism.” His remarks came amid growing European criticism of Israel’s policies in the occupied West Bank and Lebanon.

German concern and ICC warrant

Earlier Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed “deep concern” over developments in Palestinian territories and warned against “de facto partial annexation” of the West Bank. Merz also urged Netanyahu to begin direct peace talks with Lebanon. Netanyahu faces mounting legal pressure, including an ongoing corruption trial since 2020 and an International Criminal Court warrant issued in 2024 for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. He denies the charges.