On The International Day For the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Calls Women Animals

Let me ask you something. Do you think politicians and world leaders have to take a course on misogyny first before then can be elected into office? No? Well, it comes off that way every time any of them open their mouths to talk about a topic that concerns women. Of course, Indian politicians are particularly skilled at this (it’s probably the only skill in their set) but politicians from the rest of the world aren’t that far behind either. The latest example of this is the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who put his foot in his mouth while delivering a speech on the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. What he said will make you raise your eyebrows at your screen. 

The Israeli leader was speaking at an event that raised awareness about violence against women. However, on this very essential day, his remarks towards women were less than sensitive. 

It all began when Benjamin Netanyahu told the conference, which was held at Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, that “women don’t belong to you, women are not an animal you can hit.” We do get what he’s trying to get at but we are very lost at the need to compare us to animals. But wait, it gets better because once he realised what he said, the Israeli PM desperately tried to correct this statement but, of course, failed miserably at it. 

Netanyahu at event marking International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: “A woman isn't an animal you can beat, & nowadays we say don’t hit animals. We have compassion for animals, women are animals, children are animals, with rights.” pic.twitter.com/jwfLH6aYqU

— Noga Tarnopolsky נגה טרנופולסקי نوغا ترنوبولسكي💙 (@NTarnopolsky) November 23, 2020

After suddenly realising just how politically incorrect he sounded, Benjamin Netanyahu said, “And today we say you don’t hit animals either”. Now, anyone in his position would just leave it at that and move on, right? Not this man. He stood there and began sharing his thoughts about animals, women and how the two are alike. It’s really useless nonsense that I could’ve gone my whole life without needing to know. 

He continued, “We understand [animals] have insight and there is intelligence and there is cognition and animals have feelings. We are rightfully compassionate toward animals, we really connect to this.” 

Okay, show of hands, who here didn’t already know this? I don’t see how this makes his original better but it definitely makes it worse. However, here comes my favourite part of his botched-up speech. Just when you think Benjamin Netanyahu can’t make this any worse, he contradicts himself and talks about all the things women and animals have in common. Okay, who wrote is speech and have they been fired yet?

Also Read: Women Leaders Are More Empathetic, Open To Newer Ideas And Don’t Care For Gender Norms. The Future Is Female

Netanyahu likens domestic violence to animal cruelty while advocating for women's safety https://t.co/L4jAVDM7PV

— Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom) November 24, 2020

In a final desperate attempt to save his behind, he said, “A woman isn’t an animal you can beat, and nowadays we say don’t hit animals. We have compassion for animals, women are animals, children are animals, with rights.” 

What exactly is Benjamin Netanyahu trying to say? Even after reading his statements over and over again, I am still confused. I am sure he had a valid point in there somewhere but it got lost once he started thinking out loud about the connection between women and animals. Someone needs to tell him that neither women nor animals can be beaten. It’s just not humane. Actually, whoever wrote this speech really needs to be fired. They clearly have zero grasp on the situation. 

If you are the leader of a nation where domestic violence is a rapidly growing problem, the least you can do is give a speech that clearly states your point and raises awareness on how to combat it. Benjamin Netanyahu went round and round the bush and completely missed the point of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. 

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