Ronald Lauder Criticizes Netanyahu, Citing Betrayal of Peace and Israel's Interests

Ronald Lauder, President of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) and formerly a close confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has leveled severe accusations against the premier just days before Israeli parliamentary elections. Lauder claims Netanyahu repeatedly prioritized his personal power and political future over Israel's interests, specifically citing the failure of a nearly completed peace agreement with Syria due to partisan political calculations. The WJC president also expressed deep concern over the inclusion of far-right politicians in the government, damaged relations with the U.S. and Europe, and the growing estrangement between Israel and diaspora Jewish communities.

In an unusually candid interview with "Haaretz," the 82-year-old American billionaire detailed the end of his decades-long friendship with Netanyahu. Lauder stated that he had remained silent for years but now feels compelled to speak out as he sees the foundations of Israel's unique character endangered. He described the current situation as resembling a "banana republic" rather than the genuine democracy that once distinguished Israel. Lauder, who has led the WJC for two decades and significantly funded Jewish institutions and projects in Israel and Eastern Europe through his foundation, has divested his Israeli assets, including selling his Tel Aviv apartment and donating his Beersheba house to the Jewish National Fund, stating he has "practically cut all ties" and has "zero intention" of returning to Israel.

Lauder recounted meeting Netanyahu in the 1980s when he was Israel's UN ambassador, developing a close friendship that involved frequent meetings and discussions on both political and personal matters. Lauder assisted Netanyahu with his public speaking skills and facilitated crucial connections for his political career in Israel, including introducing him to campaign strategist Arthur Finkelstein. However, Lauder observed a significant personality shift in Netanyahu upon his return to Israel, describing him as becoming increasingly focused on his own ascent, a transformation he attributes partly to the influence of Netanyahu's wife, Sara. Lauder cited a personal incident where Netanyahu and his wife bypassed him at a New York hotel as a turning point, leading him to believe Netanyahu prioritizes self-interest above all else.

Lauder also revealed details of secret negotiations he conducted on behalf of Netanyahu with former Syrian President Hafiz al-Assad in the late 1990s. Over a period of 10 to 15 months, Lauder shuttled between Israel, Syria, and Lebanon, working on a ten-point peace plan. He stated that Assad was prepared to sign the agreement, but Netanyahu ultimately refused, a decision Lauder views as a missed opportunity for peace. Lauder criticized the current Israeli government, particularly Ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, calling their policies detrimental to Israel's international standing and holding Netanyahu responsible for enabling them. He described Netanyahu as a "dictator" running a "one-man show" who has placed his government's interests above the public's needs and allows extremists to operate unchecked.

Lauder warned that the policies of Ben-Gvir have severely damaged relations with Jordan, a historically reliable partner, and that Smotrich's statements regarding Palestinian rights have been internationally perceived as intentions to displace Palestinians. He condemned Ben-Gvir's rhetoric as spreading hate and supporting actions that could lead to the destruction of Palestinian villages. Lauder's message to Netanyahu is clear: he must never again include extremists in his government, as they have caused immense damage. Lauder expressed a bleak outlook for Israel's future if such figures remain in power, suggesting Netanyahu, who could have been a great statesman, will be remembered as a failed politician. While Lauder cannot vote in Israel, he stated that if he could, he would abstain from voting due to disgust with the system, but if forced to choose, he would vote for Gadi Eisenkot of the Yaschar Party, whom he respects for his authenticity.