Israeli Media: Netanyahu's path mirrors South Africa's apartheid
3 Min Read
Israeli journalist Alon Ben-David warns that Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing “Israel” toward global isolation reminiscent of apartheid-era South Africa
-
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gestures during a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (not pictured) at the Prime Minister's Office, during Rubio's visit, in Occupied Al-Quds, Monday, September 15, 2025 (Nathan Howard/Pool Photo via AP)
In a striking statement on Channel 13, prominent Israeli media commentator Alon Ben-David warned that "Israel's" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is steering “Israel” toward the fate of apartheid-era South Africa, a state that was alienated and ultimately forced to dismantle its segregationist regime.
“The Sparta that Netanyahu is preparing us for is South Africa of the last century: a state the world grew tired of, isolated, and punished until it surrendered and abolished the apartheid regime,” Ben-David said.
Despite decades having passed since apartheid officially ended, Ben-David noted that the stigma remains.
“Even three decades later, the first thing that comes to most people's minds when they hear ‘South Africa’ is apartheid," the Israeli commentator said. "It's extremely difficult to remove the stain from a country afflicted with leprosy.”
Read more: Benjamin Netanyahu blames Ben-Gvir for leaking Israeli Cabinet talks
Israeli media raises alarm over Gaza war and global backlash
According to Ben-David, the ongoing war on Gaza is pushing “Israel” into a position where the global community increasingly associates it with mass violence and impunity.
The Israeli media commentator stated that “The continuation of the war in Gaza is pushing us toward a reality in which the first thing associated with ‘Israel’ or Israelis is genocide.”
He denied that “Israel” is not committing genocide in Gaza, but warned that the international perception tells a different story, stating, “Not because we are committing genocide in Gaza, we are not. But the world does not understand what we are doing there, or why we continue to kill dozens, and soon hundreds, of people every day.”
Genocide allegations may define “Israel’s” future image
Ben-David emphasized that confusion even exists within the ranks of “Israel’s” own military leadership.
“The truth is, even our top military commanders don’t really understand. So why should we expect the world to?” he asked.
His remarks reflect a growing unease within the Israeli media over Netanyahu’s policies and their long-term consequences, particularly the risk of “Israel” being labeled internationally as an apartheid state responsible for genocide in Gaza.
Read more: UK plans Palestinian state recognition as early as Friday
Netanyahu warned on September 15 that "Israel" is growing increasingly isolated amid the genocide being committed in Gaza, stating, “We are going to be a super-Sparta, we have no choice.”
The Israeli prime minister's comments came during the annual conference of the director general of accounts in the Finance Ministry.
“Hostile states are investing huge sums to influence debates on social media, putting us in a kind of isolation,” Netanyahu added, cautioning of “a tangible risk of economic sanctions and restrictions on importing weapons and spare parts.”
