Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come to the defense of Elon Musk, stating that the Tesla CEO is being unfairly criticized for a gesture made at a recent rally. The gesture, which involved Musk bringing his right arm toward his chest and then extending it toward the audience, drew comparisons to the Nazi or Roman salute used by fascist leaders in the past.
Netanyahu emphasized Musk's support for Israel, citing his visit to the country following a terrorist attack and his vocal advocacy for Israel's right to self-defense. Musk, in turn, expressed gratitude for Netanyahu's support.
Argentinian President Javier Milei, known for his libertarian views, also defended Musk, describing the gesture as an innocent display of enthusiasm and gratitude. The Anti-Defamation League characterized it as an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm.
Despite the controversy, Musk has received backing from various individuals who view the criticism as unwarranted. The incident has sparked discussions about the interpretation of gestures and the impact of social media scrutiny on public figures.