Israeli reactions to a recent press conference at the White House reflect a mix of numbness, disbelief, and cautious hope. The event, held on Monday afternoon, comes after two years of conflict with Hamas, which escalated following the deadly attacks on October 7. Many Israelis are feeling overwhelmed by grief, hardship, and anger, as well as a growing sense of isolation from the international community.

The ongoing war has left Israelis frustrated with their government’s handling of military operations and hostage negotiations. They have faced relentless criticism from various Western nations, particularly during a recent session at the United Nations General Assembly, where Israel was condemned for its actions while Hamas largely escaped scrutiny. This has led to feelings of betrayal among Israelis, who perceive a shift in moral standards in the West, particularly regarding the treatment of Hamas.

One of the most painful allegations made against Israel is that it has committed genocide, a claim brought forth by South Africa at the International Court of Justice. This accusation strikes deeply, given Israel's historical context and the trauma of the Holocaust. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has countered that if Israel had intended to commit genocide, it could have done so swiftly.

The atmosphere in Israel was particularly bleak last week, culminating in Netanyahu's address to a nearly empty UN hall. However, the situation shifted dramatically with the announcement of the press conference. As journalists gathered, anticipation built for the arrival of former President Donald Trump and Netanyahu. Israeli media outlets broadcast the event live, with reporters discussing the political implications of Netanyahu's recent phone call with the Emir of Qatar.

During that call, Netanyahu expressed regret over an Israeli airstrike in Doha that resulted in the deaths of four Hamas officials, including a Qatari. This apology sparked outrage among some Israeli political figures, including Avigdor Liberman, who criticized Netanyahu for apologizing to Qatar while failing to address the suffering of Israeli citizens. Liberman stated, "It is unbelievable that Netanyahu apologized to Qatar, which, to this day, has not condemned the October 7 massacre. Yet he has never apologized to the people of Israel for the fact that during his tenure, thousands of Israelis were murdered, raped and abducted."

Despite the controversy, Netanyahu's remarks during the press conference were carefully crafted to maintain a sense of national dignity while allowing Qatar to save face in the Arab world. Both leaders appeared to gain something from the exchange, with Qatar receiving a limited apology and Israel positioning itself to support the Trump Peace Plan. The press conference concluded with a unique spectacle as seasoned reporters captured the moment, highlighting the ongoing complexities of Israeli politics and international relations in a time of crisis.