Israeli lawmaker Ofer Cassif described President Donald Trump’s speech before the Knesset as a “theatrical performance” and urged the international community not to wait for a new Israeli-led mass killing in the occupied West Bank.
اضافة اعلان
In an interview with Anadolu Agency, the leftist Cassif said:
"I urge the international community—after waiting too long before intervening against the genocide in Gaza—not to wait for a similar scenario in the West Bank, because we are approaching it."
He noted that with U.S. support, Israel has killed 68,519 Palestinians and wounded 170,382 in Gaza, mostly women and children, while destroying 90% of civilian infrastructure in a genocide that began on 8 October 2023 and has continued for two years.
Cassif, a member of the Arab-Jewish Democratic Front for Peace and Equality, added:
"Do not wait for civil war inside Israel, because we are approaching that as well."
He called for urgent international action, stating these risks threaten Palestinians, Israelis, the region, and the world.
Trump’s Knesset Appearance
On 20 October, Knesset security expelled Cassif and fellow MP Ayman Odeh for demanding recognition of Palestine during Trump’s speech. Cassif, who holds a PhD in philosophy and politics, said:
"It wasn’t a speech, it was a performance by three self-obsessed figures—Netanyahu, Trump, and to some extent Knesset Speaker Amichai Ohana."
He described the event as flattering and grotesque, lacking any real content, and ignoring the main victims of the past two years—the Palestinians of Gaza. He criticized the Israeli government for sacrificing both Israeli soldiers and Palestinian civilians, noting tens of thousands of Palestinians were killed, including children and women, yet no one mentioned them.
Regarding their expulsion for holding a sign reading “Recognition of Palestine,” Cassif said:
"Everyone must understand that the only solution to end the bloodshed and destruction is recognition of Palestine."
He emphasized the need for a real, sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel. To date, at least 160 UN member states recognize Palestine.
Cassif accused Trump of complicity, stating he supported the Israeli government in March 2025 when it violated agreements with Hamas and resumed genocidal operations.
Political Context in Israel
Cassif described the current government as pursuing a fascist coup, seeking to eliminate judicial independence, civil rights, and remaining democratic institutions. He warned of escalating violence in the West Bank, especially targeting Palestinians and olive harvesters, as part of a planned annexation strategy.
He criticized Israel’s so-called opposition as nominal, often aligning with the government, and warned of manipulated elections favoring right-wing extremists. Cassif highlighted the systematic disenfranchisement of Palestinians in occupied territories.
Long-Term Perspective
Despite the immediate bleak outlook, Cassif expressed cautious optimism:
"In the long run, the occupation may end, an independent Palestinian state may be established, and both Palestinian and Israeli peoples could achieve liberation."
He stressed the need for a combination of internal resistance and international support to confront fascist tendencies, prevent mass killings, and secure a political solution.
Cassif concluded with a warning, comparing potential election-related violence in Israel to post-2021 U.S. incidents, noting it could be similar or worse.
