Benjamin Netanyahu comes to defense of Elon Musk: ‘falsely smeared’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come to the defense of Tesla CEO Elon Musk after media outlets accused him of making a Nazi salute at President Donald Trump’s inauguration rally. Netanyahu took to social media to express his support for Musk, stating that he is being falsely smeared.

Netanyahu highlighted Musk’s friendship with Israel, citing his visit to the country after a terrorist attack by Hamas. He praised Musk for his unwavering support of Israel’s right to defend itself against genocidal threats. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude towards Musk for his solidarity with the Jewish state.

The controversy surrounding Musk’s gesture arose during his speech at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. where he addressed a crowd of Trump supporters. Despite Musk’s heartfelt words about the victory for humanity, some media outlets interpreted his hand gesture as a fascist salute.

PBS News Hour and the Jerusalem Post were among the publications that criticized Musk’s gesture, with CNN’s Erin Burnett also remarking on the unusual nature of the salute. Musk responded to the backlash on his platform, dismissing the accusations as being fueled by radical leftists.

In a lighthearted manner, Musk made a playful reference to the reports on social media, using wordplay related to Nazi figures. He emphasized that the gesture was a moment of enthusiasm, not a deliberate Nazi salute. The Anti-Defamation League supported Musk, clarifying that it was an awkward gesture rather than a Nazi symbol.

As the controversy continued to unfold, calls for grace and understanding were made by the Anti-Defamation League. It urged all parties to give each other the benefit of the doubt and take a step back from the heated debate. The statement emphasized the importance of approaching such situations with empathy and a willingness to listen.

Overall, the support for Elon Musk from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Anti-Defamation League underscores the need for nuanced understanding in times of controversy. The incident serves as a reminder of the power of perception and the importance of giving others the benefit of the doubt.