Elon Musk's ‘Nazi Salute’ Row: Israeli PM Defends Tesla CEO, Calls Him ‘Falsely Smear’

In the midst of growing controversy surrounding Elon Musk's controversial raised-arm gesture, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came out in defense of the Tesla and SpaceX CEO, calling him a "great friend of Israel" and dismissing the allegations as a "false smear."

The incident took place on January 20, 2025, during the inaugural parade of US President Donald Trump at Capitol One Arena in Washington, DC. Following the gesture, many social media users drew comparisons between Musk's actions and the infamous Nazi salute associated with Adolf Hitler.

Netanyahu, in a post shared on social media platform X, stood firm in his support for Musk, stating: "Elon Musk is being falsely smeared. Elon is a great friend of Israel. He visited Israel after the October 7 massacre in which Hamas terrorists committed the worst atrocity against the Jewish people since the Holocaust."

The Israeli Prime Minister continued, emphasizing Musk's continued support for Israel: "He has since repeatedly and forcefully supported Israel’s right to defend itself against genocidal terrorists and regimes who seek to annihilate the one and only Jewish state. I thank him for this.”

In the wake of the incident, Musk has faced significant backlash, but also has actively dismissed the accusations. In response to the controversy, Musk posted on X: "The everyone is Hitler attack is sooo tired." He also pointed to his public stances, including support for far-right parties like Germany's AfD and Britain's Reform UK, fueling further debate.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a group dedicated to combating anti-Semitism, took a more lenient view of Musk’s actions, suggesting that the gesture was likely an "awkward" moment driven by enthusiasm rather than a deliberate Nazi salute. The ADL posted a statement on X, clarifying, "It seems that Elon Musk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute."

As the controversy continues to unfold, Musk’s supporters and detractors alike remain divided over the significance of the gesture, adding fuel to the ongoing debate over his political affiliations and social media presence.