"The Messiah does not have superiority over Genghis Khan." Netanyahu invokes the "philosophy of evil" to justify his wars.

Netanyahu remarks on power

In remarks that sparked a wave of international condemnation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stunned the public by publicly embracing a 'survival of the strongest' philosophy at the expense of ethical values. In a televised address, Netanyahu cited a quote from historian Will Durant, claiming that 'Christ is not superior to Genghis Khan,' an assertion observers saw as an explicit justification for power politics and a complete marginalization of the principles of justice and moderation. He said, 'In this world, it is not enough to be moral, not enough to be just, not enough to be right.'

His remarks come as Israel faces international isolation and global anger over its practices and violations in the Middle East, from a genocidal war in Gaza and crimes in the West Bank to waging a war on Iran and Lebanon. The dominance of power over ethics.

Durant quote and justification

Netanyahu based his remarks on the writings of historian Will Durant, noting his strong admiration for his works, especially 'The Lessons of History.' He quoted Durant as saying that 'history proves that Christ has no superiority over Genghis Khan,' noting that power, influence, and the capacity for 'cruelty' are the factors that allow evil to triumph over good, and for aggression to defeat moderation. He added, 'If you look at the world as it is today, you must be blind not to see that democracies led by the United States must reimpose their will to defend themselves.'

Public reaction and framing

Genghis Khan was the founder and leader of the Mongol Empire, and he is one of history's most famous military leaders, his name associated with destruction and widespread violence in wars. The remarks drew wide condemnation and anger on social media, with some calling it 'a justification for the brutality' that Israel currently practices. Others reminded that 'the empire of Genghis Khan ultimately collapsed' after the oppression it wrought, while others also called him 'the devil' for claiming that 'evil can triumph over good.'

Wider conflict context

Since February 28 of the past year, Israel and the United States have been waging war on Iran, killing hundreds, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and security officials, while Tehran responds with missiles and drones toward Israel. Over about two and a half years, Israel has waged wars on the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Iran, in addition to airstrikes on Syria, Yemen, and a strike on Qatar, with its occupation expanding in Palestine and Lebanon and Syria. For decades, Israel has occupied Palestine and territories in Lebanon and Syria, and refuses to withdraw from them or to establish an independent Palestinian state.