Joseph Gutnick Calls for Netanyahu to Step Down

Australian mining magnate Joseph Gutnick, once one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s most vocal supporters, is now calling for him to step down. The businessman, who famously coined the slogan “Netanyahu is good for the Jews,” has publicly withdrawn his support, citing the prime minister’s handling of national security and governance.

Gutnick criticized Netanyahu for delaying decisive action against Hamas and failing to establish a State Commission of Inquiry into the events of October 7, 2023. “He was the one responsible for what happened in Gaza and for missed opportunities in normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia,” Gutnick stated in an interview.

According to Gutnick, Netanyahu has repeatedly refused to take responsibility for failures and surrounds himself only with those who agree with him. “He called me his soulmate until I disagreed with him,” Gutnick said. “He’s made one mistake after another.”

While he did not name a preferred successor, Gutnick suggested that Likud should replace Netanyahu with a right-wing leader who opposes a two-state solution but supports fair treatment of Palestinians who demonstrate loyalty to Israel. He expressed admiration for former Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, whom he described as a man of principle.

Gutnick also accused Netanyahu of neglecting Jewish communities outside Israel, stating that he “ignores Jews in the diaspora except for those who are on his side.” He also criticized Netanyahu for failing to publicly honor the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who played a role in advising him before his first election victory in 1996.

Despite his falling out with Netanyahu, Gutnick remains deeply involved in philanthropy and continues to support various initiatives in Israel. However, he maintains strong views on national security, opposing concessions to terrorists and advocating for capital punishment for those involved in attacks against Israelis.

As calls for Netanyahu’s resignation grow among critics, Gutnick’s comments add pressure from an influential voice once instrumental in his political rise. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates to stay updated on the ongoing debate over Israel’s leadership.