Israel Defends Trump Amid Pittsburgh Shooting Criticism

Israel’s envoy to the memorial ceremonies for the Pittsburgh congregation shooting victims said that it’s “unfair and wrong” to link the tragedy to President Donald Trump.

Diaspora Affairs Minister Naftali Bennett lauded Trump’s support for Israel and his denunciation of anti-Semitism, saying: “With President Trump, we never have to worry if he has our backs.”

His comments late Tuesday came as Trump paid a visit to Pittsburgh amid accusations that the president’s fiery rhetoric had contributed to the climate of violence. Top elected officials avoided him and one of the families of the 11 victims asked not to meet him.

Israel’s envoys to the United States and the United Nations have also tried to distance Trump from the attack.