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Thom Yorke Calls Benjamin Netanyahu an "Extremist" Who "Need to be Stopped" in Rare Public Statement

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Radiohead musician Thom Yorke has publicly addressed his silence on the war in Gaza after being criticized for his response to a pro-Palestine protester's heckling during a solo show in Melbourne. In an eight-page statement shared on Instagram, Yorke decried Hamas for "choosing to hide behind the suffering of its people" while also condemning Benjamin Netanyahu as an "extremist" who "need to be stopped". Yorke expressed regret for his initial silence, stating that it allowed other groups to use intimidation and defamation to fill in the blanks, and had a significant impact on his mental health. He emphasized that his music is evidence he does not support extremism or dehumanization of others, and called for the international community to pressure Netanyahu and his administration to cease their actions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thom Yorke released an eight-page statement addressing his silence on the war in Gaza after being criticized for his response to a pro-Palestine protester's heckling during a solo show in Melbourne.
  • In the statement, Yorke decried Hamas for "choosing to hide behind the suffering of its people" and condemned Benjamin Netanyahu as an "extremist" who "need to be stopped".
  • Yorke expressed regret for his initial silence, stating that it allowed other groups to use intimidation and defamation to fill in the blanks, and had a significant impact on his mental health.
  • He emphasized that his music is evidence he does not support extremism or dehumanization of others, and called for the international community to pressure Netanyahu and his administration to cease their actions.
  • Yorke has a history of controversy surrounding his decision to continue performing in Israel, despite criticism from the pro-Palestine movement.
  • His statement arrives months after similar criticism from British director and BDS supporter Ken Loach, who urged Radiohead to join the boycott.
  • Yorke played Tel Aviv in 2017, in defiance of the pro-Palestine campaign by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

Statistics:

  • The war in Gaza has resulted in over 1,000 deaths, with half of the victims being children (according to the footage of the protest at Yorke's show).
  • Radiohead's song "Karma Police" is nearly 30 years old, having been released in 1997.
  • 20 years ago, Radiohead played their first show in Israel, and have continued to perform in the country ever since.
  • Radiohead has been performing in Israel through multiple administrations, some more liberal than others.
  • The band has also performed in America, despite criticism from figures like Ken Loach.

Sources:

  • "Thom Yorke speaks out after remaining 'silent' on subject of gaza" (Getty Images for RFF)
  • "Benjamin Netanyahu is an extremist', says Radiohead's Thom Yorke" (Instagram)
  • "Thom Yorke shared eight-page statement about war on Gaza" (Getty Images)

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