Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hailing Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Salvini as a “great friend of Israel,” despite the Italian Jewish community’s outcry over his far-right policies and anti-migration views.
Salvini met with Netanyahu on Wednesday in Jerusalem before visiting Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, as part of his two-day trip to Israel.
However, the office of Israeli President Reuven Rivlin says he turned down a meeting with Salvini, citing a full schedule and declining further comment.
Salvini’s visit has drawn criticism for his far-right policies and anti-migration views. His remarks have frequently drawn outrage from the Italian Jewish community, whose leaders have expressed concern over the government’s “radicalization.”
Netanyahu’s critics accuse him of giving a pass to authoritarian and far-right leaders out of political considerations.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini. pic.twitter.com/RRuDS4DC2i
— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) December 12, 2018
You have a commander in UNIFIL, an Italian commander. We think UNIFIL has to do a stronger job, tougher job, but ultimately it's the responsibility of the international community. They should stop Hezbollah from taking these acts of aggression against Israel. pic.twitter.com/Eg4cxY1AKJ
— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) December 12, 2018
WATCH: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Italian Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs Matteo Salvini at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem.https://t.co/KH96bR2y1c pic.twitter.com/3slOnWatqW
— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) December 12, 2018
(AP)
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2 Responses
The Italian Jewish community should stick to defending Jewish interests, not Moslem ones.
+1 Millhouse