Graffiti titled 'The Final Solution' shows Benjamin Netanyahu kissing Adolf Hitler; artist Laika defends work

A graffiti that appeared on the wall of a high school in Italy has garnered attention and sparked outrage after it showed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu kissing Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. Created by an artist known as Laika, the work has been titled 'The Final Solution', possibly about Hitler’s plan for the annihilation of Jews. 

 

The artist reasoned that the image was chosen to shake the press and public opinion. "The Israeli government, with the support of the United States and the European Union, is carrying out a systematic operation to annihilate the Palestinian people, Laika told Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

 

Laika also described Israel’s military operation, Gideon’s Chariots, as "an ethnic cleansing campaign."

 

The artist also shared the image in an Instagram post wherein they called the IDF's campaign "the final solution to this terrible ethnic cleansing, to this genocide." They also criticised Italy and the European Union and called for sanctions against Israel. "Europe sanctioned and isolated Russia for invading Ukraine, but adopted a soft stance when it comes to alleged Israeli war crimes Italy and Germany, more than anyone, have decided to be on the wrong side of history again,” Laika said, adding that "we have learned nothing from the past."

 

Laika also took to Instagram to repost the image on stories, while adding that the image was censored by the social media site. Laika then shared messages from Israelis who praised her for her work. 

 

The work continues to get attention in Italy amid a rise in anti-Israel sentiments in the country. Recently, there were incidents of Israelis being expelled from cafes and restaurants. 

Middle East