Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has responded to the passing of Professor Bernard Lewis by saying that "Professor Bernard Lewis was one of the greatest scholars of Islam and of the Middle East in our generation. We will always keep in mind his courageous defense of the State of Israel."
Netanyahu added, "I had the privilege of meeting with him many times over the years and I was always impressed by his original and profound insights. I was moved by his extensive conversations with my late father, Professor Ben-Zion Netanyahu. Professor Lewis' wisdom will continue to guide us for many years."