Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu often censures Iran’s leadership for nuclear ambitions and regional meddling—yet his rhetoric and actions reveal stark contradictions when compared to Israel’s conduct in Gaza and Lebanon. This article examines the evidence through Netanyahu’s own words, speeches, and international comparisons.
1. Labeling Iran’s U.N. Speech “Cynical” and “Full of Hypocrisy”
- In 2013, Netanyahu walked out during President Rouhani’s U.N. speech, calling it “cynical” and “full of hypocrisy,” accusing Iran of using diplomacy as a “smokescreen” while pursuing nuclear weapons forward.com+4latimes.com+4latimes.com+4.
- That same tone resurfaced in 2014, when he denounced the international community’s silence over an alleged Iran-to-Gaza weapons ship as hypocrisy—“handshakes and smiles in Tehran” even as rockets were intercepted bbc.com+1latimes.com+1.
2. Demonizing Iran While Ignoring Palestinian Suffering
- During the Gaza war, Netanyahu drew comparisons between Hamas and ISIS, branding them as “savages,” yet he supported bombings that caused vast civilian harm—over 50,000 Palestinians killed amid widespread destruction ft.com.
- He further invoked the struggles of Iranian women—like Mahsa Amini—as justification for striking Iran. Critics argue this masks Israel’s own record of impacting women and children in Gaza, calling out the rhetoric as “hideous, hollow hypocrisy” theguardian.com+8theguardian.com+8timesofindia.indiatimes.com+8.
3. Threats of Regime Change vs. No Exit Strategy
- Netanyahu publicly declared that regime change in Iran would come “sooner than people think,” openly advocating a transformed regime politico.eu.
- Yet his record shows a consistent pattern: launching military operations with no clear post-conflict plan. Experts note while military wins are common, lasting peace is elusive—a repeated flaw in his strategic approach ft.com.
4. When Criticism Turns Convenient
| Occasion | Netanyahu’s Rhetoric | United Nations Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 U.N. speech by Rouhani | “Cynical…full of hypocrisy” thetimes.co.uk+15latimes.com+15forward.com+15 | Diplomacy on Iran’s nuclear stance |
| 2024 U.N. GA speech | Biblical invocations; “arc of terror” | Simultaneously ordered a strike killing Hezbollah’s leader |
| Critique of French Macron | Condemned Macron for arms-embargo calls as “shameful hypocrisy” | Macron aimed to limit civilian suffering from Gaza operations |
5. Video Evidence of Dissonance
Netanyahu Takes ‘BRAZEN’ Khamenei Head‑on; Justifies War While Standing In Gaza
Here, Netanyahu criticizes Iran’s supreme leader in Gaza—positioning the war against Iran as justified—against the backdrop of ongoing Gaza bombings.
