Elon Musk to Meet Israeli PM and President Amidst X Controversy
Elon Musk’s Visit to Israel
Elon Musk, the tech entrepreneur accused of amplifying anti-Jewish hatred on his X social media platform, is set to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog in Israel on Monday, according to Channel 12 TV.
Confirmation of the Visit
An Israeli source confirmed Musk’s visit, a billionaire who also runs Tesla and SpaceX. Spokespeople for Tesla and X, formerly known as Twitter, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Truce in Gaza
Musk’s visit coincides with a four-day truce in an Israeli war with Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza.
Previous Meeting
Netanyahu previously met Musk in California on Sept. 18, urging him to strike a balance between protecting free expression and fighting hate speech after weeks of controversy over antisemitic content on X.
Controversy over Antisemitism
Musk responded by stating his opposition to antisemitism and anything that promotes hate and conflict. However, on Nov. 15, Musk agreed with a post on X that falsely claimed Jewish people were stoking hatred against white people, leading to condemnation from the White House and major U.S. companies pausing their advertisements on his social media site.
Rise in Antisemitism
Antisemitism and Islamophobia have risen in the United States and worldwide, including during the war between Israel and Hamas. Following the outbreak of war, antisemitic incidents in the United States rose by nearly 400% from the year-earlier period, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
Impact on Israel’s Economy
Musk’s visit is significant as he is developing an artificial intelligence startup xAI, and Israel is considered a world leader in the field. Israel’s economy, previously on track for growth, has been impacted by the war, with slow growth expected in 2024 as long as the conflict continues.
Stock Market Recovery
After an initial 6% tumble at the outset of the war, the Israeli stock market has gained 8% against the dollar and is now at pre-war levels, mainly due to local investors. Stock prices have also recovered from a steep drop last month.
Overall, Musk’s visit to Israel holds significance in the context of the ongoing controversy surrounding his social media platform and its impact on international relations and the global economy.
