Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister who hopes to return to work in the upcoming election, joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe on Tuesday to announce his new memoir, Bibi: My Story. During the lengthy verbal exchange that covered many foreign policy topics such as the war on Ukraine’s nuclear program and Iran, Netanyahu asked whether or not he believed former President Donald Trump was anti-Semitic.
“Just a few days ago, Trump made headlines here in the United States saying on his social media site that no president has done more for Israel than I have and that he believes evangelicals appreciate him more than American Jews. And he told American Jews, “It’s time to unite before it’s too late. This was considered anti-Semitic by many. Sir, what do you think?Is Donald Trump anti-Semitic?” asked Jonathan Lemire.
“Well, you know, he has a Jewish son-in-law and his daughter went over to Judaism. His grandchildren were raised as Jews. So I don’t think so,” Netanyahu replied, adding:
But I think it reflects their frustration, which happens to many politicians when they feel like they don’t get the credit they deserve for the things they’ve done. By the way, I must tell you that I am no exception. Everyone belongs to that.
But I also think there’s some myopia here when comparing American Jews.
American Jews, in general, overwhelmingly Israel.
And some, especially in the radical progressive wing, do not. But the vast majority of the Democratic Party does. Now, the explanation for why it’s a bit skewed is that while Democrat for Israel among the American electorate has remained fairly stable, as Gallup’s annual ballot displays over a multi-year era, Republican for Israel has skyrocketed. And this could create a misunderstanding.
“Israel has very broad help among the American people, and that’s all I think is definitely necessary. We want to keep the bipartisan help going. I’ve been accused, you know, of being a Republican or opposing Democrats. It’s not true. I opposed Democratic presidents, Republican presidents, when I thought their policies would endanger Israel,” added Netanyahu, who lately is Israel’s opposition leader.
“But I have plenty of time and I will continue with America’s bipartisan matrix,” said Netanyahu, who, if re-elected on Nov. 1, will have to face President Joe Biden.
“Well, Mr. Prime Minister, let me press you a little bit with that,” Lemire replied.
“I mean, the Anti-Defamation League and others have said it’s the rhetoric that’s so harmful here. And those comments from the former president come at a time when hate crimes are on the rise here in the United States. There has been a wave of anti-Semitism here in the United States, but also in Europe and elsewhere. It turns out that the former president feeds this, that’s what many have charged. Shouldn’t you be more careful about what you say?Isn’t his rhetoric harmful? Lemire followed.
“Listen, he’s been a big supporter of Israel. I think it is up to all of us to commit, even if it is very complicated on the field, in measured language. If he can get politicians, all of us, to do it, he will get a Nobel Peace Prize. Good luck,” Netanyahu replied, largely avoiding the question.
The interview continued when Mike Barnicle asked Netanyahu to talk about his dealings beyond with U. S. presidents. The U. S. government responded to Trump’s claim that he had done more for Israel than any other president.
Netanyahu has refrained from commenting directly on Trump’s statement.
Watch the full clip above from MSNBC
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