Israeli Government Post Sparks Backlash Over Anti-Muslim Messaging on Social Media
Israel faced widespread international criticism this week following the publication of a controversial post from its official Arabic-language account on the social media platform X. The message, viewed by many as inflammatory and discriminatory, suggested that Europe should take action against mosques and “remove” Muslims from their societies.
The post claimed that the growing number of mosques in Europe represented “the real face of colonization,” citing a rise from fewer than 100 mosques in 1980 to over 20,000 today. While it acknowledged freedom of religion as a fundamental right, it accused some mosques of promoting violence and hatred, urging Europeans to “wake up” and eliminate what the post described as a “fifth column.”
The remarks were widely condemned by journalists, human rights advocates, and social media users. Berlin-based journalist James Jackson commented that even far-right political parties like Germany’s AfD refrain from using such rhetoric. Others labeled the post “Islamophobic” and “racist,” pointing out misleading statistics and the implication that the presence of mosques is inherently threatening.
Critics also highlighted the contradiction in Israel’s messaging—promoting religious tolerance while simultaneously dehumanizing Muslims. Some noted that countries with large Muslim populations, such as Russia, naturally have thousands of mosques, questioning the logic behind presenting such numbers as a threat.
The controversy comes at a time when Israel is under mounting international scrutiny for its military campaign and ongoing siege on Gaza, which has now entered its 691st day. Reports indicate that over 230,000 Palestinians have been killed, injured, or disappeared, while hundreds of thousands are enduring famine conditions. The Israeli military’s operations, including the “Gideon’s Chariots 2” campaign, are accused of causing deliberate starvation and displacement.
Israel is currently facing genocide charges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), with key European countries like South Africa, Belgium, Ireland, and Spain supporting the case. Additionally, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Several European nations, including France, Norway, Ireland, and Spain, have either recognized or declared their intent to recognize the State of Palestine since October 2023.
