Late-night host John Oliver devoted his entire opening monologue on HBO's Last Week Tonight to a blistering critique of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him a 'desperate SOB' focused solely on retaining power. The segment aired on the eve of Netanyahu's fourth visit to the White House to meet President Donald Trump, where discussions are expected to centre on ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Oliver accused Netanyahu of appeasing hardline coalition members like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and highlighted a 2001 clip in which Netanyahu boasted that 'America is something that can be easily pushed.' The comedian remarked, 'Even if that is true, it’s insulting to hear out loud.'
He further criticised Netanyahu for weakening Israel's Supreme Court, prolonging military action in Gaza to satisfy right-wing allies, and cosying up to Trump—all in the name of political survival. Oliver noted that a recent poll shows only 21% of Americans view Netanyahu favourably, while support for Palestinian statehood has risen to 58%.
Oliver clarified that attributing the Gaza atrocities solely to Netanyahu would be naive, acknowledging broader Israeli consensus on occupation and Palestinian self-determination. However, he argued that removing Netanyahu from power could 'bring a stop to the horrific suffering in Gaza and bring the hostages home.'
The monologue concluded with Oliver questioning Netanyahu's true priorities: 'Is it the people of Israel who’ve been put at risk by endless war, or is it the man who spent 17 years as prime minister and seems willing to do whatever it takes to squeeze out a few more?'
Meanwhile, ahead of Monday's White House meeting, a senior Trump administration official expressed concern that the talks could 'go off the rails' if Netanyahu objects to Trump's proposed peace plan. Last week, UN delegates walked out during Netanyahu's speech, in which he condemned nations recognising Palestinian statehood for 'rewarding the murder of Jews.'
