Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu denounces US campus protests as antisemitic; clashes and arrests increase across major universities

Recent weeks have witnessed a significant surge in student-led protests across US college campuses, centring on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. These demonstrations have sparked a broad spectrum of reactions, ranging from support to stern criticism, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu categorically denouncing them as antisemitic. The protests have led to numerous confrontations with law enforcement, resulting in arrests and heightened tensions on campuses nationwide. This coverage compiles detailed accounts from various major news outlets to offer a comprehensive view of the unfolding events and the diverse perspectives surrounding them.

AP News

Protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict are intensifying across US college campuses, with a notable incident involving the arrest of over 100 demonstrators at Columbia University. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has strongly criticized these demonstrations, labelling them as antisemitic and reminiscent of pre-Holocaust sentiments. The protests have variously resulted in clashes with police and campus closures, pointing to a significant escalation in the scale and intensity of the demonstrations. 

Students have been vocal in demanding that their universities cut ties with Israeli academic institutions and divest from companies associated with Israel’s military actions in Gaza. These demands have not only led to widespread protests but also inspired similar actions at other universities, reflecting a growing movement among students. For instance, at Columbia University, the administration extended a deadline for protesters to clear their encampment, indicating a tentative negotiation between students and university officials.

The reaction to the protests has been mixed, with some viewing them as a legitimate form of free speech and others, including prominent political figures, deeming them as a threat to Jewish students on campuses. The intensity of the situation was further underscored by visits from political figures like U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who expressed solidarity with Jewish students and condemned the protests.

CNN

CNN reports an ongoing crisis at Columbia University, where the heart of the protests has prompted calls for the resignation of the university president due to perceived failures in handling the situation. The protests at Columbia have become a microcosm of broader national unrest on college campuses, with students demanding complete divestment from Israeli corporations and a severance of academic ties. 

The situation at Columbia is described as increasingly volatile, with negotiations between protesters and the administration labelled as unstable. These developments come amid broader actions on other campuses, such as the University of Southern California, where nearly 100 arrests were reported. CNN’s coverage also includes perspectives from various stakeholders, including university officials and student organizers, providing a detailed look at the complex dynamics at play.

Significant attention is given to the arrests and law enforcement responses, illustrating the scale of the protests and their impact on university life. The broader implications of these protests are also explored, with discussions on how they affect academic operations and campus security.

Fox News

Fox News focuses on the surge of antisemitism linked to the campus protests, reporting that the situation has escalated to the point of virtual takeovers of certain university areas by protesters. This coverage specifically points out the incidents of violence and disruption that have marred the demonstrations, painting a picture of chaos and conflict that has spread from Columbia University to other institutions across the country.

Fox News reports on specific incidents where law enforcement had to intervene, such as at the University of Southern California, where officers in riot gear were deployed to manage the protesters. The report also touches on the political dimensions of the protests, noting that House Speaker Mike Johnson has been vocally critical of the protests, describing them as a form of mob rule and a virus of antisemitism affecting colleges nationwide.

The coverage from Fox News portrays a grim scenario of confrontation and division, highlighting the challenges faced by universities in managing these protests while ensuring the safety and security of all students.

Times of Israel

The Times of Israel provides an in-depth look at the conditions on the ground at Columbia University, where Jewish students report feeling unsafe amid rising antisemitic sentiments. The protests, which are described as increasingly hostile, have seen Jewish students subjected to harassment and intimidation. This has led to a significant number of Jewish students withdrawing from campus activities or leaving the campus entirely for their safety.

The report sheds light on the administration’s struggles to manage the situation, balancing the enforcement of campus policies with the right to free speech. The protestors demand that Columbia sever all academic and financial ties with Israeli institutions, a stance that has polarized the student body. The tensions have culminated in a series of arrests and ongoing negotiations, which have yet to yield a resolution. The coverage by the Times of Israel places a particular emphasis on the emotional and psychological toll these protests have taken on Jewish students at Columbia.

Hindustan Times

The Hindustan Times reports on the widespread nature of the protests, noting that they have affected numerous universities across the United States, from California to New York. The coverage includes a detailed list of the universities involved, underscoring the national scope of the student movements. The article highlights the arrests and administrative responses at various campuses, providing a snapshot of the law enforcement and institutional strategies to manage the unrest.

This coverage also touches on the political repercussions of the protests, with U.S. politicians and public figures weighing in on the crisis. The Hindustan Times discusses the impact of these protests on university policies and the broader academic community, noting the challenges of maintaining an educational environment amidst such significant political activism.

USA Today

USA Today focuses on the international reactions to the protests, particularly from groups like Hamas and Iran, who have expressed support for the student movements. This coverage explores how the protests are not just local campus issues but are also tied to broader geopolitical conflicts. The article discusses the implications of this support for the perception of the protests within the U.S. and how it complicates the narrative around the protests.

The report from USA Today also examines the impact of the protests on Jewish students and the accusations of growing antisemitism on campuses, which have been a major concern for community leaders and policymakers. This coverage provides a broader context for understanding the protests within the global discourse on Israel and Palestine, highlighting the complex interplay of local actions and international politics.