Israeli Premier Netanyahu asks Elon Musk to take action against antisemitism on X

ISTANBUL

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Monday urged Tesla CEO Elon Musk to address and combat antisemitism on X, previously known as Twitter.

During an in-person conversation broadcast live on X at the Tesla factory in Fremont, California, Netanyahu said: "I know your opposition to antisemitism. You have spoken about it, tweeted about it."

"All I can say is, I hope you will find within the confines of the First Amendment the ability to stop not only antisemitism or roll it back as best you can, but any collective hatred of people that antisemitsm represents," he added, referring to the part of the US Constitution that guarantees freedom of speech.

He added he knows Musk is committed to doing that, also admitting it is not an "easy task."

"But I encourage you to find a balance. It's a tough one," Netanyahu said.

"I am sort of against attacking any group," Musk said in response, adding that he is in favor of a much broader civilization.

"We can’t do that if there’s a lot of infighting, hatred, negativity. I am against antisemitism. I am against really anything that promotes hate and conflict."

"I am in favor of that which helps both society and take us to a better future for humanity collectively," he added.

Since taking over Twitter/X last year, Musk’s tenure has been marked by fleeing advertisers, complaining Musk has allegedly made the social media platform a safe haven for extremist views.

Last week Musk threatened the US Anti-Defamation League, a US antisemitism group, for dropping ad revenues on X, threatening to sue the group.