In the opposition, there is an explosion of criticism against Netanyahu after he accused the protesters of taking action against Israel. In response to questions from reporters as he boarded the plane on his way to the United States, Netanyahu said, "The demonstrators against me in the United States are linked to the PLO, to Iran, and are tarnishing Israel's reputation in the world."
In response, the leader of the Machane HaMamlachti, Benny Gantz, says: "Netanyahu's attack, while blaming the protesters in the United States as collaborators with our enemies, is severe and deserving of condemnation. Even if one disagrees with their methods, they are patriots who love their country. The immense damage that Netanyahu has caused to Israeli society through his leadership cannot be fixed by a thousand fiery speeches at the UN. It is time to stop the political upheaval and restore order to the government, instead of blaming the protesters."
The one who chooses less diplomatic language is the leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, Member of Knesset Avigdor Lieberman, who said in his own way: "Mr. Prime Minister, once again, you are lying brazenly. The protesters in Israel and around the world are demonstrating against you and for the State of Israel."
"Anyone who aligns with Iran and the PLO is none other than you, Mr. Binyamin Netanyahu. You are the one who is tearing Israeli society apart from within, the one who is manipulating our sons and daughters, and you are the one who shows us day by day that you act solely in accordance with your personal interests, even if it means the country will be set on fire."
Opposition leader Yair Lapid added and said, "There is no one who has damaged our reputation in the world more than Netanyahu in recent months. Nothing helps the Iranians more than the political upheaval of his government. His accusations against the patriots of the protest are further evidence of a severe distortion in his judgment and his perception of reality."
