Netanyahu frequently makes claims of antisemitism. Critics say he’s deflecting from his own problems

By TIA GOLDENBERG
Associated Press

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly accused critics of Israel or his policies of antisemitism. But his detractors say he is overusing the label to push his political agenda and try to quash even legitimate criticism, and that doing so risks diluting the term’s meaning at a time when antisemitism is surging worldwide. Among other things, he has called the U.S. college campus protests and the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court antisemitic. Netanyahu’s supporters say he is genuinely concerned for the safety of Jews around the world. However, he has repeatedly sidestepped accountability for not preventing Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.