On December 9, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stood before the Knesset in a highly charged session, fiercely defending his government’s record during one of the most tumultuous periods in recent Israeli history. The debate, which unfolded under the “40-signature” parliamentary mechanism that compels the Prime Minister to appear monthly before lawmakers, quickly became a battleground over Israel’s diplomatic standing, the government’s response to surging anti-Semitism, and Netanyahu’s own leadership during the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Netanyahu, known for his combative style, did not mince words as he pushed back against opposition accusations that Israel’s international reputation was in freefall. “Israel is today stronger than ever,” he declared, countering claims of “the collapse of Israel’s international standing” since the outbreak of what the government has dubbed the “War of Revival” following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023. According to coverage by multiple outlets, Netanyahu insisted that Israel remained “diplomatically, militarily, and economically dominant,” describing it as “the strongest power in the Middle East, and in certain fields, it is a global power.”
Throughout the session, Netanyahu leaned heavily on his relationships with world leaders as evidence of Israel’s enduring influence. He highlighted frequent diplomatic engagements, including a visit from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz—“which came at Merz’s request,” Netanyahu emphasized. “Many states around the world and very many world leaders are seeking us out,” he told lawmakers, even as he acknowledged that “there are challenges as well.”
One of Netanyahu’s central arguments was the robust support Israel continues to receive from key global players, notably Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I speak frequently with my old friend, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. We have arranged to meet soon, and I must tell you—India, a huge country with a billion and a half people, also wants to strengthen ties with us,” Netanyahu said, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. He also pointed to an upcoming trip to the United States for another meeting with President Donald Trump—remarkably, their sixth since Trump took office in January 2025. “At the end of the month, I will go to the United States for another meeting with my friend, President Trump,” Netanyahu announced, noting, “This will be my sixth meeting with the President of the United States, since he took office in January of this year—more than any other leader in the world.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks sought to dispel speculation in Israeli media about a looming “political clash” with Trump, which some commentators have attributed to “huge differences” between the two leaders. Netanyahu dismissed these rumors as a “fixed ritual” before every meeting, telling the Knesset, “And after each meeting, you are disappointed, because the positive results surprise you again and again. And again, of course, with the US, we don’t have to agree on everything. And even in cases where it’s necessary, I stand up for our vital interests. It’s not always necessary, but when it’s necessary, we stand up for them.” He stressed, “The US and Israel are two independent countries. We have a relationship based on shared values and shared interests that have only become more acute.”
Netanyahu further asserted, “Israel has no better ally than the US, and the US has no better ally than Israel.” This message, repeatedly amplified by the Prime Minister, is a familiar refrain in his political career. He has long used his “personal chemistry” with figures like Trump, Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and others as a cornerstone of his political brand, featuring images from their meetings prominently in election campaigns.
Addressing the surge in anti-Semitism, Netanyahu offered a stark diagnosis of its roots. He blamed “waves of antisemitism” sweeping the West on “radical Muslim minorities that have entered almost every country, first and foremost in Europe, and antisemitic incitement on social media, incitement amplified by anti-Zionist governments and organizations.” He underscored the government’s commitment to fighting this phenomenon, noting an unprecedented allocation of NIS 2.35 billion (about USD 725 million) to the Foreign Ministry “to combat this propaganda.” “I believe we must fight it with new methods,” Netanyahu said, “while insisting that we must look at our tremendous achievements.”
Beyond the major powers, Netanyahu stressed that Israel’s diplomatic reach extended well beyond traditional allies. “Well, the US, India, Germany, Russia—four powers whose ties have only strengthened following the war. And it’s not just the great powers that are coming to us: many other countries want to be close to us—also in the Middle East, also in the Far East, also in Latin America, where a very big change is taking place, and also in Africa,” he said, painting a picture of a country at the center of a growing web of international relationships.
The opposition, however, was having none of it. Lawmakers from rival parties continued to press Netanyahu over his government’s handling of the war with Hamas, accusing him of failing to accept responsibility for Israel’s inability to prevent the October 7 attacks and for deepening divisions within Israeli society. They also criticized his refusal to establish a traditional state commission of inquiry to investigate the government’s actions before, during, and after the Hamas incursion. Instead, Netanyahu’s government opted last month to set up its own probe. “The establishment of the commission and its makeup will be done equally between the coalition and the opposition,” Netanyahu told the chamber. “Who could oppose this? Only someone who does not want to reveal the truth,” he added, turning the tables on his critics.
Netanyahu’s supporters, meanwhile, have continued to portray him as the only Israeli leader capable of maintaining global stature and defending Israeli interests—even when that means challenging allies. They frequently point to his sometimes frosty relationships with former US Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden as evidence of his willingness to stand firm for Israel’s security and sovereignty.
In a final flourish, Netanyahu reminded the Knesset of his ongoing dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I add that we have continuous contacts with another world power—Russia. I speak with President Putin on a regular basis, and this personal relationship over the decades protects our vital interests,” he said, underscoring the breadth of Israel’s diplomatic maneuvering.
As the debate drew to a close, one thing was clear: Netanyahu remains determined to frame his government’s record as one of resilience and international relevance, even as he faces mounting pressure at home. With major diplomatic meetings on the horizon and a government probe into the October 7 failures underway, Israel’s political drama shows no sign of easing. The coming months will test both Netanyahu’s claims of strength and the opposition’s demands for accountability, as the country navigates the uncertain waters of war and global scrutiny.
