President Trump Stuns Some Supporters in Israel with Saudi Defense Invoking the Jewish State

President Trump’s robust defense of Saudi Arabia in the matter of Jamal Khashoggi’s murder has not only evoked bi-partisan criticism in the United States, but in Israel, which is home to some of the president’s strongest support – including a sizable pool of expatriate pool of voters – residents including dual-US-Israeli citizens are expressing concern over Israel being cited as a beneficiary of turning a blind-eye to the killing. The president’s declaration that “it could very well be that the Crown Prince had knowledge of this tragic event – maybe he did and maybe he didn’t!” stands in direct opposition to the CIA’s determination that the kingdom’s heir-apparent actually ordered the hit and prompted Senator Robert Corker (R- TN) to tweet, “I never thought I’d see the day a White House would moonlight as a public relations firm for the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.” Even Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), an expert on foreign affairs who is seen as close to the president, admonished the commander-in-chief against “losing [America’s] moral voice on the international stage.” For Israeli Americans, though, discomfort was rife with President Trump’s mention of Israeli security as part of the raison d’être for turning the blind-eye. His statement began with the assertion that the “United States intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia to ensure the interests of our country, Israel and all other partners in the region.” [Your opinion is welcome at editor@themedialine.org ^[1] ]