Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired back at a pro-Israel Democratic congresswoman during a CNN interview, accusing her of trying to “excuse antisemitism” after she said he put American Jews in an uncomfortable position.

Story Snapshot

• Netanyahu told CNN that Rep. Haley Stevens “can’t stand up for the truth” and accused her of excusing antisemitism.
• Stevens had said Netanyahu “made us less safe” and put Jews in an uncomfortable position — not that she supports Hamas or antisemitism.
• Netanyahu pointed to Israel’s democratic record, noting that Muslim citizens make up 20% of participants in its Supreme Court and parliament.
• Stevens is endorsed by pro-Israel groups and recently reaffirmed her support for Israel after joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran.

Netanyahu’s Sharp Response to Democratic Critic

During a CNN interview, anchor Dana Bash asked Netanyahu about comments made by Michigan Representative Haley Stevens. Stevens had said Netanyahu “made us less safe” and “frankly put Jews in an uncomfortable position.” Netanyahu did not hold back. He accused Stevens of being unable to “stand up for the truth” and said her criticism amounted to excusing antisemitism. He also claimed that people who share her view are effectively backing Hamas.

Netanyahu described Hamas in blunt terms during the interview. He said Hamas supporters “murdered people, beheaded our men, raped our women, and burned babies alive.” He argued that anyone softening criticism of those who back Hamas is giving cover to that kind of violence. He also defended Israel’s democratic record, pointing out that Muslim citizens make up roughly 20% of those serving in Israel’s Supreme Court and parliament, the Knesset.

Stevens Has a Strong Pro-Israel Record

The accusation against Stevens is hard to square with her public record. She is endorsed by the Democratic Majority for Israel political action committee as a “proud pro-Israel Democrat.” After the United States and Israel carried out joint strikes on Iran, Stevens appeared in a video for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee reaffirming her commitment to Israel. She also traveled to Israel in 2023 to get a firsthand look at Netanyahu’s policies.

Stevens’ criticism of Netanyahu appears to be about his leadership decisions — not a rejection of Israel or Jewish people. There is no documented evidence linking her to Hamas or to any group that supports Hamas. Netanyahu’s claim that she backs Hamas is a serious accusation, but he offered no specific proof to support it during the interview. That gap matters when evaluating how seriously to take the charge.

A Debate With Real Stakes

This clash is part of a bigger and growing problem. Antisemitism in American politics has surged in recent years. Jewish lawmakers now deal with hate speech in campaign ads, on social media, and in direct messages to their offices — and it has become a daily reality. That context makes it harder to sort out where legitimate policy debate ends and actual antisemitism begins.

WATCH: Asked by CNN about Israel endangering 🇺🇸 Jews, Netanyahu accuses Haley Stevens — a staunch defender of Israel — of “excusing antisemitism”

Even Dana Bash isn’t having the gaslighting pic.twitter.com/D6Hd0aY8pH

— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) July 8, 2026

Netanyahu has a clear political interest in framing Democratic criticism as antisemitism. It rallies his base, strengthens ties with U.S. conservatives, and shifts attention away from policy debates about the Gaza war. That does not make his broader concern about antisemitism wrong — the threat is real and documented. But calling a pro-Israel congresswoman a Hamas backer, without solid evidence, risks muddying a debate that deserves serious, honest treatment. Voters and lawmakers alike should demand clear facts, not just sharp accusations.

Sources:

dmfipac.org, bloomberg.com, instagram.com, heritageaction.com, stevens.house.gov