Netanyahu in Fiery Knesset Speech: “Polls Are Fake - Most of the Nation Supports Us”

A stormy Knesset session unfolded Wednesday during a 40-signature debate in the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sparking fiery exchanges between coalition and opposition members.

Addressing the opposition, Netanyahu dismissed recent unfavorable polling as “fabricated”, insisting that “most of the nation is with us.”

“I walk the streets, I see the people in the supermarkets, they support us. I don’t need your biased polls,” he said.

He sharply rejected the opposition’s framing of the session titled “A Complete Failure in Achieving the War’s Goals” asking:

“Are you from another planet? Israel has never seen such significant achievements across so many fronts.”

Claims of Military Success and Attacks on Critics

Netanyahu claimed Israel is nearing a “dramatic turning point” in the war against Hamas, confirming reports that Mohammad Sinwar, brother of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, was eliminated. He also vowed further action against Houthi targets in Yemen, saying: “The last word hasn’t been spoken yet it will be.”

Regarding Iran, Netanyahu acknowledged ongoing threats but assured the public that “Israel is focused on countering them.”

On hostages, he stated:

“We’ve brought back 197 hostages, 148 of them alive. That’s most of those held by Hamas. It’s not enough. I’m focused on returning every last one.”

Opposition Hits Back: “You’ve Lost Control”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid delivered a scathing response:

“Two years ago, Israelis felt safe because they were safe. You’re failing and worse, you’re excusing corruption.”

Lapid challenged Netanyahu to denounce his aides who admitted to receiving Qatari money, asking:

“Why won’t you say they’re finished? That no one who took money from a terror-supporting state will set foot in your office?”

Avigdor Lieberman escalated the attack further, predicting a state commission of inquiry and accusing Netanyahu of planning to delay elections:

“You’ll be held accountable. You’re desperate to cling to power.”

Lieberman cited past meetings and decisions by Netanyahu, including alleged efforts to appoint Yair Golan as IDF chief, and criticized his financial support for Arab municipalities as a political bribe.

“You’ve lost it. Your legacy will be that of the most cynical, destructive prime minister in Israeli history.”

More Accusations: “Bombing Children and Starving Gaza”

MK Ofer Cassif accused Netanyahu of war crimes, declaring:

“You are responsible for bombing children and starving Gaza.” Speaker Amir Ohana ordered him off the podium after he refused to retract the statement.

MK Naama Lazimi told Netanyahu:

“Your speech was Holocaust denial. You’re sending soldiers into a war of political survival. While you were putting on makeup, Yair Golan was in the field.”