Soldiers injured in Gaza refused to meet with Netanyahu: Israeli media

JERUSALEM (AA) – Soldiers injured in Israel’s brutal ground offensive in the Gaza Strip refused a visit from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a hospital in Jerusalem, Israel’s Channel 13 reported.

This is not the first time that soldiers injured in Gaza refused to meet with the controversial rightwing leader. A similar incident took place a week ago at a hospital in central Tel Aviv, according to the channel.

“I was in the (Hadassah) hospital and a medical staffer asked me if I want to meet Netanyahu. Of course, I refused,” soldier Or Shneiberg said on X.

“Out of 18 injured fighters, 15 requested that he not enter their room.

“I am in Jerusalem, the stronghold of the Likud Party (led by Netanyahu). The change is palpable; the era of Likud has come to an end,” he added.

The hospital, however, denied the reports, despite the soldiers’ accounts.

“Netanyahu passed among the wounded, who received him with great enthusiasm, encouraging their spirits. He assured them that Israel is committed to achieving complete victory,” the channel quoted a statement by the hospital.

Last week, Netanyahu visited Sheba Medical Center in the Tel HaShomer neighborhood near Tel Aviv, where a number of injured soldiers refused to meet with him.

According to figures released by the Israeli army, 164 soldiers have been killed and 874 others injured in fighting in the Palestinian territory since October 27. Among those injured 329 were in serious condition.

Netanyahu’s government is under fire for the security lapses during Hamas’ October 7 attack and the lack of commitment to saving the lives of Israeli detainees in Gaza.

An incident earlier this month in which three Israelis holding a makeshift white flag were shot and killed by Israeli forces also drew fierce criticism.