Elon Musk supports the effort against Hamas during his visit to Israel
Prominent tech entrepreneur Elon Musk visited Israel and expressed his support for the campaign against Hamas. Musk asserted that Israel has no alternative but to confront and dismantle Hamas. This declaration took place during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other stakeholders in Kfar Aza, Israel, on Monday.
Musk's visit to Israel on Monday included discussions with Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, various officials, and individuals affected by the October 7 Hamas attack. Additionally, he met with families of hostages. The visit followed accusations of promoting antisemitism with his social media platform, X.
The billionaire opted to visit Israel within a fortnight of endorsing an antisemitic conspiracy theory on his X platform, resulting in significant companies withdrawing their advertisements from the microblogging site.
Benjamin Netanyahu and Elon Musk review footage of Hamas atrocities from October 7 during a meeting on November 27, 2023. Photo Credit: Amos Ben Gershom/GPO)
Accompanied by Netanyahu, Musk initiated his visit by touring towns in southern Israel that bore the brunt of the October 7 Hamas onslaught.
While visiting Kfar Aza, Musk witnessed the aftermath of the Hamas attack, which involved terrorists infiltrating the community and approximately 20 others.
Musk described the experience as "jarring," highlighting that he was particularly struck by what seemed to be a sense of "joy" exhibited by the terrorists in the video.
He commented, "The counterargument is often presented that, well, Israel has also caused civilian casualties in Gaza. However, there's a significant distinction here – Israel endeavors to minimize harm to civilians, taking every possible measure to avoid such casualties. Importantly, there is no expression of joy in the process."
He emphasized that there is "no choice" for Israel but to dismantle Hamas, followed by a commitment to support those who remain. Drawing a parallel to the post-World War II era, Netanyahu likened the situation to the US occupation of Germany and Japan.
"If you aim for security, peace, and an improved life for Gazans, the eradication of Hamas is imperative. Eliminating the toxic regime comes first, as was done in Germany and Japan," stated Netanyahu, prompting Musk to assert, "There's no choice."
He further added, "It's essential to combine strong action against terrorists and those with murderous intent, along with providing assistance to those who remain. This approach mirrors what transpired in the reconstruction of Germany and Japan."
Elon Musk is pictured alongside Israeli President Isaac Herzog and representatives of families with hostages held in Gaza during his visit to Israel on November 27, 2023. Photo Credit: Haim Zach/GPO
"Typically, the victor punishes the loser," he continued, citing the post-World War II rehabilitation of Germany and Japan by the allies as examples of how reconstruction efforts following a significant war and a decisive victory contributed to long-lasting peace.
In response, Herzog remarked that Musk's X platform exudes antisemitism, urging the tech mogul to promptly address and eradicate it.
He stated, "Regrettably, we are grappling with widespread antisemitism, a form of hatred targeted at Jews, which significantly influences human behavior in various places worldwide. You play a crucial role, and I believe we must confront it collectively because, under the platforms you lead, there is unfortunately a harbor for an ancient hatred, specifically antisemitism.
"You've witnessed how evil can overshadow everything; you've seen this morning the consequences of hate, how thoughts can transform into evil and lead to bloodshed," he added.
In response, Musk commented, "These individuals have been exposed to propaganda since their childhood. It's astonishing what humans are capable of when fed falsehoods from an early age. They come to believe that murdering innocent people is a commendable act. That's the extent to which propaganda can impact people's minds."
Since assuming control of the company last year, Musk has faced criticism for what detractors argue is the proliferation of hate speech, generally, on the platform.
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