Elon Musk’s actions, particularly his controversial “heila” gesture at Trump’s inauguration, have stirred significant backlash, with many interpreting it as a Nazi salute. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is among those defending the tech billionaire. In a post on X, Netanyahu expressed that Musk is “a great friend of Israel,” clarifying that the billionaire’s actions have been misinterpreted.
Netanyahu pointed out that Musk visited Israel after the tragic October 7 massacre and has consistently supported Israel’s right to defend itself against what he described as “genocidal terrorists” and regimes aiming to destroy the Jewish state. “I thank him for this,” Netanyahu wrote.
While Musk’s gesture sparked controversy, even the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), often aligned with progressive movements, dismissed it as a “lumpy gesture,” with little focus on its supposed meaning. Musk has previously faced accusations of anti-Semitism, but he’s maintained that he loves Jews and even considers himself “Jewish-like.”
This defense from Netanyahu and the ADL raises an uncomfortable question about the double standards applied to tech oligarchs in the global political landscape. While these figures are often quick to capitalize on their power, wealth, and influence, their actions — even controversial ones — tend to be downplayed when it suits certain political interests. In a world where mass surveillance and data manipulation grow ever more powerful, it’s curious how a gesture like Musk’s becomes a subject of debate, while tech giants continue to shape public discourse without much accountability.
