Wilders says Israel’s Gaza campaign “not war crime,” calls civilian deaths “inevitable”
Geert Wilders, leader of the PVV, said Friday night that Israel’s campaign in Gaza — which has killed 67,000 Palestinians — does not constitute war crimes, NRC reports. He made the remarks on the SBS6 talk show Vandaag Inside, his first televised appearance since pausing campaign activities due to security concerns.
“If the Netherlands were attacked like Israel was on October 7, I would have done the same as Israel,” Wilders said. “I would have struck back.”
Wilders’ comments came after Vandaag Inside host Johan Derksen accused him of continuing to “justify Israel’s actions.” Derksen said Wilders’ “blind adoration” for Israel had gone too far.
Wilders rejected that characterization. “I also regret every civilian death that is unnecessary,” he said. “Of course, you must prevent civilian casualties. But who started the war, Johan? Hamas.” He added that civilian deaths are “inevitable” in war.
The far-right leader has refused interviews with several major Dutch media outlets, including NRC and NOS, but appeared on the popular SBS6 program instead.
Friday’s appearance marked Wilders’ return to public campaigning after what he called a “campaign stop.” He had withdrawn from several debates, including those hosted by Radio 1 and RTL, citing safety concerns after his name was mentioned in a Belgian terrorism case.
Police and prosecutors confirmed earlier this week that they saw no reason to investigate any increased threat against Wilders.
