U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. rejected genocide allegations against Israel, saying that if Israel intended genocide it "could do it in a minute." He cited the growth of the Palestinian population as evidence that Israel's actions do not constitute genocide, adding that "real genocide" is happening in the surrounding Arab states, not in Israel.
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday rejected accusations of genocide against Israel in a statement published by Israeli media. "If Israel wanted to commit genocide against the Palestinians, they could do it in a minute," Kennedy said. He noted that Israel is doing the opposite — the Palestinian population is growing significantly across Israel. Kennedy added that "real genocide" is not happening in Israel but in the countries around it, pointing to Arab states.
In a separate but related context, Kennedy had said as recently as Tuesday morning that Arab states in the Middle East are committing genocide against Jews and Christians. Tuesday's remark extends that argument directly to Gaza and the West Bank, framing Israel's conduct as the opposite of genocidal. The statement is consistent with Kennedy's previously stated views on the issue, which have rejected genocide claims against Israel.
Kennedy's remarks come amid ongoing international legal proceedings and public debate over Israel's military campaign in Gaza, with several states and NGOs pursuing genocide charges at the International Court of Justice. His direct framing — that Israel could annihilate the Palestinian population instantly if it chose — is an unusually stark rejection of that legal and political campaign. The comment is not an official U.S. policy statement but the personal view of a senior administration official.
4 developments
- DevelopingLapid hits back at Netanyahu: 'Claims we're a power one minute from mass death'
- DevelopingPalestinian Authority promotes video accusing Israel of systematic sexual violence
- StrongJerry Seinfeld responds to 'Free Palestine' request: 'It doesn't exist'
- DevelopingYesha council chairman Gantz slams Bennett's remarks on Palestinian Authority
Source and signal
- Internal intake