Netanyahu: 'We're under attack all the time, I won't remain silent'
Amid the investigations against him, the prime minister tells reporters that 'There is sympathy in the public for me and my wife and family. Sympathy the likes of which I can't remember,' adding 'A prime minister is allowed to seek justice. I'm telling the truth.'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected on Thursday the claims and reports being made about the different investigations against him, complaining that he and his wife "were under attack all the time, every hour and every minute."
"A prime minister is allowed to seek justice. I won't remain silent, I am telling the truth," Netanyahu told Israeli reporters after a visit to the United Nations headquarters in New York.
"I will tell you a truth that is perhaps inconvenient for people to hear: There is sympathy in the public for me and my wife and family. Sympathy the likes of which I can't remember," the prime minister asserted.
"Listen to the citizens of Israel. The citizens of Israel en masse—not all, but en masse—are giving me and my wife support. They want justice," he added.
Speaking about International Women's Day, Netanyahu went on to say, "I want to express appreciation and special love to my wife Sara, and to the many people in the world and many many of Israel's citizens, who support her and us these days."
Netanyahu tells Haley: 'You're making everything better'
Earlier, Netanyahu met with US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, flattering her when she asked him how things were. "Everything is fine, and you're making it better," he said.
The two spoke about US President Donald Trump's fight against the Iranian threat, with Netanyahu telling Haley, "I think he's completely focused on the danger of Iran and the nuclear deal and Iran's aggression in the region. He's focused on the right thing. As you well know, this is what animates everyone lately, not only Israel and America, but just about everybody else in the Middle East. It certainly doesn't pass you by, I'm sure."
The prime minister also thanked the American ambassador for her support of Israel. "I wanted to tell you how much we appreciate the defense of Israel and the truth that the president and you bring into these cloistered halls that are so damp with anti-Israel venom. It's not a breath of fresh air, it's like a tsunami of fresh air," he said.
Haley echoed Netanyahu's sentiments, saying "It's amazing. I mean, really, it was just abusive before, and I think I've told you that before. I feel bad for Danny (Danon, Israel's ambassador to the UN), and what he's had to put up with... but it's actually starting to get a little bit better. They don't want to get yelled up."
"Well, continue yelling," Netanyahu said with a chuckle.
Haley moved on to speaking about Iran, saying it was a big focus at the UN. "We're very concerned. I'm very concerned for Israel. I think that they (the Iranians) are feeling more and more threatened, and I think that they're going to have to end up making some decisions, and I'm concerned that they won't make the right ones. That's something we're very focused on," she said.
"We see what's happening in Syria—and I'd love your thoughts on that, in terms of where we're going there," Haley added.
3,000 years of Jerusalem history exhibition
While at the UN headquarters in New York City, Netanyahu opened an exhibition on Jerusalem, which traces Jews in the city back centuries before the Christian era. The prime minister said it clearly shows the city's long history "cherished" by Israelis and friends of the Jewish people and "friends of truth."
This "is being denied by those seeking to erase the history of our people, our connection to our lands, and our connection to our eternal capital Jerusalem," he said.
The Palestinian delegation to the UN has already complained to the UN Secretariat about the exhibition, claiming its displays are controversial and contradicts UN resolutions. The UN, however, rejected the Palestinians' request to shut down the exhibition, instead putting a disclaimer sign at its entrance that says: "The content of this exhibit is solely the responsibility of the sponsors. The holding of the exhibit in UN premises does not imply endorsement by the United Nations. Please direct any queries to the organizers."
Hitting back at the UN, Netenyahu responded: "Of course it doesn't represent the United Nations. It represents the truth, and we'll continue to tell the truth and speak the truth everywhere, including the United Nations."
"This exhibit would not have been possible 10 years ago," he added. "And this exhibit will be unnecessary 10 years from now. We are changing the world. We are changing Israel's position in the world, and above all we are making it clear that we fight for the truth and for our rights. We also fight for security."
The exhibition showcases archeological findings that demonstrate the continuous, historical connection between the Jewish people and Israel and Jerusalem.
Among the items in the exhibition are the Tel Dan Stela from 8-9th century BC, which has the first known historical evidence of King David from the Bible, and a seal with the Hebrew inscription "To Netanyahu son of Yaush" from the 7th century BC.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
