Wu Dahui: The True Deficiency in Europe Is Not the "Moral Weakness" Alleged by Netanyahu
On April 13, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized European nations for "moral weakness," claiming they are losing their own identity and values, forgetting the lessons of the Holocaust, and failing to draw a clear line between good and evil. Netanyahu emphasized that at critical moments, one must "stand on the side of justice," unlike Europe, which, he claimed, has not forgotten this responsibility.
Netanyahu's accusations against Europe of "moral weakness" and "forgetting the lessons of the Holocaust" are essentially an attempt to directly link Israel’s demand for "absolute security" with the historical trauma of the Jewish people, thereby constructing a moral closed loop: since the Holocaust was the ultimate consequence of European anti-Semitism, any criticism of Israeli policy is equated with betraying history and blurring the boundaries between good and evil.
This narrative logic works effectively within Israeli domestic politics and in interactions with right-wing religious forces in the United States, where it has been polarized into the claim that "every criticism of Israel is anti-Semitic." However, it is increasingly difficult to accept in Europe. The lesson of the Holocaust can no longer be narrowly reduced or simplified into unconditional support for Israel’s absolute stance.
Facing the brutal reality of Gaza being mercilessly destroyed by war, with civilians trapped in a dire humanitarian crisis, European society continues to confront its conscience: Can a people who once suffered catastrophic destruction truly have the right to inflict systemic injustice and oppression upon another people based on historical suffering? Can a group that experienced the Holocaust itself disregard fundamental humanitarian principles and unleash unrestrained military attacks on other peoples? The answer is already self-evident.
In regard to the Iran issue, many European countries believe that Israel played a pivotal role in pushing the U.S. toward direct military action. This has led to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, soaring global oil prices, and disruption of energy supply chains—further worsening Europe’s already fragile economy. This is no longer merely about "moral weakness"—it is a direct weakening of core national interests in Europe, with vital security and development rights seriously threatened.
Netanyahu’s criticism of Europe resembles a carefully constructed political narrative: it reduces complex international conflicts to a binary opposition of "good versus evil," dismissing Europe’s critical views and pluralistic positions as "moral weakness." In truth, Europe’s real deficiency is not some lack of moral courage, but rather the absence of the firm resolve to overcome vested interests and boldly stand up to defend humanity and justice when Israel continues its relentless bombing of civilians in Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon, resulting in massive innocent casualties.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862392765276172/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.