John Oliver on Netanyahu: ‘Personally responsible for keeping this war going’
In a recent episode of Last Week Tonight, John Oliver harshly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of extending the Gaza war and aligning with far‑right politicians. Oliver also highlighted Netanyahu's corruption scandals and the international war‑crime warrants agains…
During the latest episode of HBO's Last Week Tonight, host John Oliver delivered a scathing takedown of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Oliver argued that Netanyahu is not only responsible for the ongoing devastation in Gaza but also for a series of corruption scandals that have pushed Israel's political system toward the far right.
Netanyahu's political longevity and self‑portrait
Oliver opened by noting that Netanyahu has been Israel's premier on and off since 1996, making him the longest‑serving leader in the country's history. The comedian mocked Netanyahu's self‑promotion as the only person capable of keeping Israel safe, describing the image as a "big, strong guy who won’t let Israel get pushed around." Yet Oliver countered that narrative by pointing out that under Netanyahu's watch Israel has been embroiled in what he called "the longest and deadliest war in its history," a conflict that, according to recent Israeli polls, has eroded the prime minister's popularity to the point where he would likely lose a snap election.
From diplomatic beginnings to a corruption‑laden tenure
Oliver traced Netanyahu's early career, noting his formative years in the United States and his subsequent rise through Israel's diplomatic corps before entering politics. He recalled Netanyahu's public attacks on former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, whom Netanyahu's wife, Sara, later blamed for Rabin's 1995 assassination on a televised program. The host emphasized that Netanyahu's tenure has been marred by repeated allegations of bribery, fraud, and misuse of public funds, which have increasingly defined his political brand.
Adding a personal dimension, Oliver described Sara Netanyahu as "Israel's Marie Antoinette," citing reports of her lavish lifestyle and alleged abusive treatment of household staff. He suggested that the "drumbeat of scandals" has forced centrist parties to refuse coalition talks with Netanyahu, pushing him further to the right in search of reliable partners.
Alliance with Israel's far‑right extremists
Oliver highlighted two of Netanyahu's most controversial coalition partners: Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. He likened Ben Gvir to "the David Duke of Israel" and called Smotrich a "proud homophobe" who has publicly denied the existence of a Palestinian people. According to Oliver, these figures represent "absolute nightmares" within the governing coalition, and Netanyahu's willingness to accommodate them underscores his desperation to cling to power.
The host argued that Netanyahu's alignment with these extremists has reshaped Israeli policy, especially regarding the Palestinian territories. He cited the Abraham Accords, brokered during Donald Trump's first term, as a diplomatic move that effectively sidelined the Palestinians, describing it as a "fuck you" to the Palestinian leadership.
The October 7 attack and its aftermath
Turning to the October 7 Hamas assault, Oliver clarified that while Netanyahu did not cause the attack, his strategic decisions have amplified the suffering that followed. He accused the prime minister of deliberately allowing Hamas to remain in power to justify a divided Palestinian government, and of ignoring warnings from Israel's own security chief about an imminent assault.
Since the attack, the conflict has been labeled a genocide by several international bodies, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and several senior officials on war‑crime charges. Oliver emphasized that Netanyahu "personally responsible for keeping this war going" after breaking a ceasefire in March and yielding to far‑right ministers' demands.
The host noted that the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 65,000 Palestinians, a figure he described as "impossible to overstate" in terms of human suffering. He also referenced Israel's recent strike on Iran, a move that even displeased former U.S. President Trump, and Netanyahu's subsequent appearance on Fox News to nominate the U.S. president for a Nobel Peace Prize—actions Oliver portrayed as desperate attempts to maintain political relevance.
Public backlash and the road ahead
Public opinion in Israel has turned sharply against Netanyahu, with many citizens expressing fury over the prolonged conflict and the prime minister's perceived self‑interest. Polls indicate that only about 21% of Americans currently support Netanyahu, reflecting a broader international weariness with his leadership.
Oliver concluded that removing Netanyahu from power could at the very least halt the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas. He urged viewers to recognize the gravity of the situation, stating that the continued presence of "this fucking guy" in the prime minister's office sustains the cycle of violence and suffering.
Why it matters
Oliver's critique spotlights how Netanyahu's political choices and extremist alliances have intensified the Gaza humanitarian crisis and drawn international legal scrutiny.
Key points
- John Oliver accuses Netanyahu of prolonging the Gaza war and aligning with far‑right parties
- Netanyahu faces ICC arrest warrants for alleged war crimes
- Corruption scandals have isolated centrist parties, pushing Netanyahu toward extremist allies
- Public opinion in Israel and abroad is turning sharply against Netanyahu
Frequently asked questions
What did John Oliver say about Netanyahu's role in the Gaza conflict?
Oliver argued that while Netanyahu did not cause the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, his policies and refusal to halt hostilities have significantly increased civilian suffering and prolonged the war.
Are there legal actions against Netanyahu related to the war?
Yes, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and several senior officials on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Which far‑right politicians are in Netanyahu's coalition?
Itamar Ben Gvir, often described as Israel's equivalent of David Duke, and Bezalel Smotrich, a nationalist lawmaker who denies the existence of a Palestinian people, are key partners in the current coalition.
How has public support for Netanyahu changed?
Recent polls show a steep decline, with only about 21% of Americans supporting him and a majority of Israelis expressing anger over the ongoing conflict and corruption allegations.
