Fact Check: Did Benjamin Netanyahu ever say ‘we’re benefiting from 9/11 attack’?
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the deadly 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, a rumor began circulating on social media platforms claiming that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once said that we’re benefiting from the attack.
The claim has sparked concerns and speculation, prompting a fact check.
Claim: Benjamin Netanyahu once said we’re benefiting from 9/11 attack
The claim surfaced in a post on X showing a photo of Netanyahu accompanied by a quote stating, “We are benefiting from one thing, and that is the attack on the Twin Towers and Pentagon, and the American struggle in Iraq.”
The claim drew mostly criticism of the Israeli leader, even triggering conspiracy theories that Israel was involved in the devastating 9/11 attacks, indicating that many believed the claim to be true.
Meanwhile, a few others remained skeptical and questioned the claim’s authenticity, calling for a fact check.
Fact Check: True, Benjamin Netanyahu indeed say it
Although the controversial quote was correctly attributed to Netanyahu, the remark highlighted the collaboration between the United States and Israel, which shared similar foreign policy goals, including the fight against extremism. He made the remark in 2008 at Bar-Ilan University.
When asked about his feelings in the immediate aftermath of the attack, Netanyahu said, “It's very good." He quickly added, ''Well, not very good, but it will generate immediate sympathy."
Before making the viral remark, he argued that the attack would "strengthen the bond between our two peoples, because we've experienced t***** over so many decades, but the United States has now experienced a massive hemorrhaging of t*****."
Trump to skip 9/11 Ground Zero ceremony
The claim resurfaced ahead of the 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Ground Zero in New York City next month.
According to a report by The New York Times, President Donald Trump is not expected to attend the ceremony at the Ground Zero site, despite initially indicating that he would be attending the September 11 ceremony.
However, the president will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the tragic attacks at the Pentagon.
Elected officials of both parties have borne witness to this solemn occasion over the years, and we have been honored that every living President, including President Trump, has attended. Of course, President Trump is always welcome,” the National September 11 Memorial and Museum said in a statement.
