The assertion drew heavy backlash against Netanyahu and reignited fringe conspiracy theories suggesting Israeli complicity in the catastrophic 9/11 attacks.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: As the 25th anniversary of the devastating September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon approaches, a social media post went viral claiming that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once stated that his country was benefiting from the tragedy.
The online rumor quickly generated widespread concern and speculation, triggering the need for a closer examination of the facts.
The Claim: Benjamin Netanyahu once stated Israel was benefiting from 9/11
The controversy began with a post on X featuring a photograph of Netanyahu alongside the attributed quote: “We are benefiting from one thing, and that is the attack on the Twin Towers and Pentagon, and the American struggle in Iraq.”
While many users accepted the quote at face value—leading to sharp criticism of Netanyahu and reviving conspiracy theories about foreign involvement in 9/11—others remained doubtful, questioning the context and demanding verification.
Fact Check: The quote is authentic
Although the controversial statement was indeed made by Netanyahu, it was originally spoken in 2008 during an address at Bar-Ilan University, where he was discussing the broader geopolitical alignment and shared counter-terrorism objectives between the United States and Israel.
Reflecting on the immediate aftermath of the 2001 attacks, Netanyahu remarked at the time, “It’s very good,” before quickly correcting himself to add, “Well, not very good, but it will generate immediate sympathy.”
Leading up to that specific remark, he argued that the tragedy would ultimately “strengthen the bond between our two peoples, because we’ve experienced terror over so many decades, but the United States has now experienced a massive hemorrhaging of terror.”
Trump to bypass 9/11 Ground Zero ceremony
The resurfacing of these remarks coincides with preparations for the upcoming 9/11 anniversary commemorations in New York City.
According to reports from The New York Times, President Donald Trump is not planning to attend the official remembrance ceremony at the Ground Zero site, despite initial indications that he might participate.
Instead, the president intends to honor the 25th anniversary of the attacks by attending a commemorative event at the Pentagon.
In an official statement addressing the schedule, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum noted, “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.”