Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday claimed that Israel is facing a political “siege” from China and Qatar, accusing both countries of trying to weaken international support for Israel, particularly in Europe and the United States.
Speaking in Jerusalem to a bipartisan delegation of 250 U.S. lawmakers, Netanyahu said, “Democrats and Republicans alike, we value and cherish your support. And there is an active effort to erode it.”
He likened this political campaign to a “blockade,” comparing it to what he described as Iran’s ongoing attempt to impose a military siege on Israel through its regional proxies. Netanyahu specifically accused China and Qatar of orchestrating online efforts to delegitimize Israel in Western countries.
“We will have to counter it, and we will counter it with our own efforts,” he asserted.
Netanyahu also blamed what he described as “large Islamist minorities in Western Europe” for aligning with Hamas and Iran, claiming they were pressuring European governments through “violent protests and constant intimidation.”
His remarks came as Qatar hosted a summit of Arab and Islamic leaders, aiming to coordinate a unified response to Israel’s recent targeting of Hamas leadership in Doha. At the summit, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani accused Israel of seeking to make Gaza “no longer livable.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also visited Israel on Monday, signaling continued American support ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, where Israel is expected to face heightened criticism over its military campaign.
“Your presence here in Israel today is a clear message that America stands with Israel. You stand with us in the face of terror,” Netanyahu told Rubio and the U.S. delegation.
