RFK Jr. on Roger Waters:  Ex-Pink Floyd Front Man Has Crossed a Line on Excoriating Israel 

RFK Jr. on Roger Waters:  Ex-Pink Floyd Front Man Has Crossed a Line on Excoriating Israel 

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the scion of America’s renowned political family, has recently taken steps to establish his pro-Israel positions as he challenges Joe Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination. However, this push comes in the wake of his defense of rock star Roger Waters, who has faced allegations of virulent anti-Semitism. A recent report in Haaretz indicated that Kennedy’s attempt to stake out his pro-Israel bona fides and his defense of Waters present a perplexing juxtaposition as he seeks to gain traction in his long-shot bid against Biden. In a recent interview with Haaretz, Kennedy provided his perspective on Israel-Palestine and the Waters controversy, which shed light on his evolving stance.

Kennedy criticized Waters and those who he believes apply a double standard when judging Israel. Haaretz reported that while acknowledging that criticism of Israeli policy does not equate to anti-Semitism, he argued that judging Israel differently from Arab nations crosses a line. Haaretz further reported that Kennedy expressed admiration for Waters’ positions on other issues but sought to clarify his intentions, considering the sensitivity of the subject. He also addressed the complexity of providing unconditional aid to Israel, acknowledging the mistreatment of Palestinians within Israel and highlighting the historical context that has hindered a two-state solution, the Haaretz report said.

Kennedy described Israel as a flawed democracy, similar to the United States, and posed a thought-provoking question about dissidents’ plight in Israel compared to other Arab nations. As was reported in Haaretz, he emphasized the relative freedom that individuals with dissident views, such as the LGBTQ+ community, enjoy in Israel compared to its neighboring countries. Moreover, he challenged the notion that Israel deliberately targets children and civilians, contrasting it with the deliberate policies of its Arab neighbors.

Kennedy’s recent engagement with the Jewish community, particularly in relation to his controversial statements about the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines, has further shaped the perception of his pro-Israel stance, according to the Haaretz report. While some criticize his association with far-right extremists due to their shared anti-vaccine positions, Kennedy’s interactions with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and his participation in the Celebrate Israel Parade held in New York City have positioned him as a friend of the Jewish community.

Kennedy has garnered support from elements of the far left, including journalists and media figures critical of the U.S. government’s foreign policies, as was reported by Haaretz. They commend his criticisms of the “national security state” and the CIA, suggesting that his views threaten the vested interests of neoconservative bureaucrats within the Democratic Party. Haaretz also reported that these endorsements highlight the growing base of support Kennedy is attracting from a specific section of the political spectrum.

Kennedy’s pro-Israel stance has received a boost with an endorsement from Democratic Majority for Israel, a pro-Israel organization backing traditionally supportive Democratic candidates. Haaretz reported. However, questions have been raised regarding his previous controversial statements, including comparisons between vaccines and the Holocaust, as well as his defense of the virulently anti-Semitic and anti-Israel Roger Waters. Concerns have been raised about whether Kennedy is using Israel as a shield to deflect criticism from his controversial comments or his associations with far-right extremists linked by anti-vaccine sentiments, as was reported by Haaretz.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent efforts to establish his pro-Israel positions amid controversy have raised eyebrows and sparked discussions within the Democratic Party. Kennedy’s nuanced approach seeks to balance criticism of Israeli policies while supporting Israel’s right to exist and protect its security. However, his association with controversial figures and his past controversial statements have cast doubt on his motivations. As the race for the Democratic presidential nomination unfolds, Kennedy’s evolving stance on Israel will continue to be scrutinized by both his supporters and critics.