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From the Liveblog of
Saturday, February 25, 2023
From the Liveblog of
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Netanyahu says comment on ‘punching back’ against opposition was metaphorical
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads a cabinet meeting on the state budget, at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on February 23, 2023. (Alex Kolomoisky/Pool)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says comments he made at a closed government meeting about using a “fist” against opposition figures was clearly metaphorical and in no way meant to incite violence.
“It was clear to everyone who heard my words that I meant to strike back against the false claims of those who are spreading panic, and not any call for violence or harming the right to protest,” Netanyahu tweets.
In a rare, move, the Likud party releases a transcript of the comments that Netanyahu made during a cabinet meeting a few days ago.
“I want you to equip yourself and punch back, so to speak, strike back against the lies,” Netanyahu says, according to the transcript.
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