Italian translator refuses to work for 'dangerous' Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

Italian translator refuses to work for 'dangerous' Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu


An Italian interpreter has refused to translate for "dangerous" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is visiting Italy.

Olga Dalia Padoa, who had been contacted by the Israeli embassy in Rome and initially accepted the job offer, later refused to be the translator for the Israeli regime's prime minister during his speech at an event held at a synagogue in Rome on Friday was planned.

"After careful consideration," she wrote on Facebook on Wednesday. "Not only do I disagree with Netanyahu's political views, I also think his leadership is extremely dangerous."

She pointed to the mass protests and the "civilian resistance movement that exists in Israel today" opposing Netanyahu's proposed judicial reforms aimed at weakening the judiciary, where he faces multiple bribery charges, and around his own strengthen powers as prime minister.

She also noted that her children absolutely rejected it after she initially agreed to translate, which completely put her off. "They were imperturbable."

"If I agree to cooperate in translating his words, my children will not forgive me," she said.

“They were determined: they will not cooperate with those who promote fascist principles and suppress freedom, they simply will not. I decided to listen to them," Padoa said.

Meanwhile, the Israeli regime's embattled prime minister, who is on an official three-day visit to Italy, is concerned about the massive anti-government protests in occupied Palestine.

Netanyahu's visit to Italy is one of his first international visits since returning to office in December. It comes amid intense political division in Tel Aviv and opposition to the policies of his far-right cabinet.

Thousands of protesters blocked the roads leading to the departures area of Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Where Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin landed for talks, it led to clashes with military forces.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu's travel plans were met with complications after the Israeli airliner El Al failed to find pilots to fly him, his wife and their companions to Italy.

Israeli media previously reported that El Al's pilots had not reported to fly the premier in protest at his cabinet's judicial reforms, apparently in protest at his government.

"On Sunday afternoon, Hebrew-language media reported that none of El Al's pilots had agreed to fly Netanyahu and his wife Sara on a visit to Italy that was scheduled to begin Thursday," the Times of Israel reported. However, later reports said that a flight crew eventually agreed to take Netanyahu with them.