Israeli PM Netanyahu postpones son’s wedding 2nd time amid Iran war, draws flak for ‘personal cost’ remark
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under fire after announcing that his son Avner’s wedding has been delayed for a second time due to the current war with Iran.
Netanyahu made the statement while standing in front of Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, which was damaged by an Iranian missile strike.
In an emotional appeal to the public, Netanyahu said his family, like many others, is making sacrifices. He mentioned that Avner’s fiancée and his wife Sara were deeply affected by the delay.
The wedding, initially planned for November, had already been postponed once due to security concerns and was scheduled again for this week before being called off again.
Netanyahu compared the situation to the British people’s suffering during the Blitz in World War II, saying Israel is going through a similar trial.
“Everyone is paying a price, my family too,” he said.
He also praised his wife Sara, calling her a “hero" for enduring the personal challenges.
However, his comments were not well received by the public. Many criticised the comparison to wartime Britain and viewed the statement as self-centered. On social media, Israelis mocked the speech, accusing Netanyahu of being out of touch with the nation’s pain.
Anat Angrest, whose son has been held captive in Gaza since October 7, 2023, responded publicly: “My family hasn’t missed the suffering either. I’ve been living a nightmare for 622 days.”
Opposition figures also reacted sharply. Gilad Kariv, a Knesset member from the Democratic Party, called Netanyahu a “narcissist without boundaries” reports The Guardian.
He said many families have suffered far worse, losing loved ones and having futures destroyed—not just postponed. Kariv also criticised Netanyahu’s praise of his wife, saying the real heroes are everyday Israelis, like doctors working night shifts and teachers supporting children during uncertain times.
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