Israeli PM Netanyahu slammed for calling son’s wedding delay ‘personal cost’ of war
New Delhi: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked widespread criticism after describing the postponement of his son's wedding as a “personal cost” of the ongoing conflict with Iran. The remarks, made against the backdrop of missile strikes and civilian casualties, have drawn backlash online and from families affected by the war.
Speaking near the Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva, which was recently hit by Iranian missiles, Netanyahu said, “Each of us bears a personal cost, and my family has not been exempt. This is the second time that my son Avner has cancelled a wedding due to missile threats. It is a personal cost for his fiancée as well, and I must say that my dear wife is a hero.”
He further likened the situation in Israel to the British Blitz during World War II, saying, “It really reminds me of the British people during the Blitz. We are going through a blitz.”
Netanyahu’s remarks were met with fierce condemnation online, with critics accusing him of equating a delayed wedding with the suffering of civilians and soldiers killed in the war. Among the voices was Anat Angrest, the mother of Matan, an Israeli captive held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. “I have been in the hellish dungeons of Gaza for 622 days now,” she wrote on social media, expressing outrage at Netanyahu’s focus.
The wedding of Avner Netanyahu was originally planned for November 2024 but was postponed due to security concerns. It was rescheduled for June 16, but once again delayed amid rising tensions and anti-government protests.
Since Israel launched Operation “Rising Lion” on June 13 targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, the conflict has escalated rapidly. Iran responded with retaliatory missile strikes, including the use of cluster munitions, a first in the current conflict, one of which damaged the Soroka Hospital.
At least 24 Israeli civilians have been killed so far, while Iran has reported over 200 fatalities. The war has now entered its eighth day with no signs of de-escalation.
Meanwhile, the White House has confirmed that US President Donald Trump will decide within two weeks whether to intervene militarily in the Iran-Israel conflict. Officials warned that Iran could be weeks away from building a nuclear bomb, depending on decisions by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
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Congress’ downfall will start from Baramati if it doesn’t let Sunetra Pawar win unopposed: Bawankule
Nagpur (PTI): The Congress will have to face consequences if it doesn't allow NCP president and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar to win the Baramati assembly bypoll unopposed, said minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Thursday.
The party’s “downfall” will start from Baramati, he said, stressing that the people of Baramati and Maharashtra wish that she is elected unopposed, said the BJP leader.
The April 23 bye election was necessitated after the tragic death of deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who headed the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. After his death, his wife Sunetra became the party president.
The NCP, BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena are partners in the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state.
“The Congress will face consequences if it doesn’t let Sunetra win unopposed from Baramati. Its downfall will start from Baramati if it doesn’t withdraw its candidate,” Bawankule told reporters in Nagpur.
Amid efforts to ensure an unopposed contest, the Congress has fielded advocate Akash More for the bypoll.
The party had said that it would withdraw from the contest only if an FIR were registered in Ajit Pawar’s death in the Baramati plane crash.
Replying to another question, Bawankule said the BJP’s performance will be more robust in Assam and Kerala elections compared to the last assembly polls in these states. Assembly polls are being held in a single phase in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry on Thursday.
“These elections will once again show Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership commanding support among the people,” he said.
