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As Trump Questions US Jews' Loyalty, Israeli PM Is Quiet

Associated Press

   JERUSALEM - Israel's prime minister on Wednesday steered clear of
   Donald Trump's comments questioning the loyalty of American Jews who
   support the Democratic Party, in sharp contrast to the tide of
   condemnation from Jewish critics who accused him of trafficking in
   anti-Semitic stereotypes.
   Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to keep quiet on the controversy
   reflected the importance of his close alliance with Trump -- a
   relationship that has dented the bipartisan support Israel has
   traditionally enjoyed in Washington as well as Israel's equally
   important ties with the American Jewish community.
   With an eye on re-election, Trump has attempted to use his close ties
   with Netanyahu to win over Jewish voters, who overwhelmingly vote for
   Democrats. Critics say it is part of a broader strategy that has also
   targeted minorities and immigrants with sometimes racist rhetoric to
   try to shore up his base of white, working-class voters.
   Most recently, Trump has focused these efforts on trying to paint
   Democratic RepresentativesIlhanOmar of Minnesota and RashidaTlaibof
   Michigan as the faces of the Democratic Party.

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