Netanyahu Defends Musk Amidst Nazi Salute Allegations, Lauds Him as ‘Great Friend of Israel’
Jerusalem – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vehemently defended Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk against accusations of making a Nazi salute during the inauguration parade of US President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, ignited a firestorm of controversy, with some users interpreting Musk’s raised arm gesture as a deliberate echo of the infamous "sieg heil" salute. Netanyahu, however, dismissed the allegations as baseless, praising Musk as a staunch supporter of Israel and a crucial ally during times of conflict.
The Israeli Prime Minister took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his support for Musk, stating unequivocally that the entrepreneur was being "falsely smeared." Netanyahu emphasized Musk’s visit to Israel following the horrific October 7 massacre, a tragedy he described as "the worst atrocity against the Jewish people since the Holocaust." He commended Musk for consistently backing Israel’s right to defend itself against what Netanyahu termed "genocidal terrorists and regimes who seek to annihilate the one and only Jewish state."
The controversy surrounding Musk’s gesture erupted almost immediately after the inaugural parade. Social media platforms became battlegrounds for opposing viewpoints, with some users condemning Musk’s action as a blatant display of Nazi symbolism, while others argued that the interpretation was a gross misrepresentation of his intent. Musk himself responded to the accusations on X, dismissing them as a tired trope, writing, "The everyone is Hitler attack is sooo tired."
Adding fuel to the fire were Musk’s recent expressions of support for right-wing political parties in Europe, specifically Germany’s Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) and Britain’s Reform UK, both known for their anti-immigration stances. These pronouncements intensified scrutiny of Musk’s political leanings and fueled speculation about the true meaning behind his gesture at the inauguration. The timing of these statements, so close to the inauguration controversy, further complicated the narrative and exacerbated the debate surrounding his intentions.
Despite the uproar, prominent organizations like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) came to Musk’s defense. In a statement released on X, the ADL characterized the gesture as "an awkward moment of enthusiasm" rather than a deliberate Nazi salute. This intervention, from a respected organization dedicated to combating antisemitism, lent significant weight to the argument that the incident was being misconstrued.
Netanyahu’s unwavering support for Musk underscores the complex relationship between international figures and the intense scrutiny they face in the digital age. The incident highlights the challenges of interpreting actions caught on camera, especially in an environment rife with political polarization and the rapid spread of information, often without proper context. While the debate over Musk’s gesture continues to simmer, Netanyahu’s emphatic endorsement serves as a testament to the Tesla CEO’s influence and the importance of his relationship with Israel. The incident remains a stark reminder of how easily actions can be misconstrued and the importance of considering all perspectives before rushing to judgment in today’s interconnected world. The story also raises questions about the role of social media in amplifying controversies and the challenges faced by public figures navigating the often turbulent waters of online discourse.