A few days ago Murdoch did a mea culpa and apologised to Israel for a political cartoon that depicted Netanyahu in not too flattering a light.  Now everyone knows that when it comes to Palestine Netanyahu is hardly the chap to preach tolerance and understanding.  In fact he is a right wing hawk.  So a cartoon of him building a wall on the bodies of Palestinian people may seem to some a tad harsh, however to others it would certainly show an accurate reflection of his policies on illegal settlements within the Palestinian territories. The response from Israel and friends was immediate.  The cartoon was variously described as 'crossing the line', 'blood libel' and 'sickening'. While no one could argue that the cartoon was not somewhat in your face (as political cartoons should of course be), the notion that you cannot depict blood in a cartoon about Israel without an immediate comparison to blood libel is ridiculous and undermines efforts to combat actual antisemitism.

The date of publication also lead to an outcry about antisemitism and the cartoonist says he regrets that the carton was published on Holocaust Memorial Day.  However,  it was the first Sunday after the Israel election so therefore is was on point with regards to timing for current affairs. If one agrees that the cartoon as the Sunday Times said: “it is not anti-Semitic. It is aimed squarely at Mr Netanyahu and his policies, not at Israel, let alone at Jewish people."  Then the date of publication is no more anti-Semitic than the cartoon itself.  

This of course is just an example.  There are other examples when antisemitism is clear, and the policies of Israel are used as a way to depict a wider anti-Semitic message.  That is not what I am talking about here.  

For me it is simple.  When I criticize Saudi Arabia's incredibly restrictive women's rights track record I am not going on an anti-Mulsim screed, rather it just so happens I think how they treat women is appalling.  In fact it is all about governmental policy and bugger all to do with the religion of those making the policy.  

Surely the same could be said when one is criticizing Israel?.........  All about governmental policy and bugger all to do with the religion of those making the policy.  

Well what say you?  Is it anti-Semitic to criticize Israel?  Why?  Why not?  

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For those who wan to see the cartoon you can find it here .  I did not put it is the body of the article as I do not wish to offend those who may find it offensive.  Personally I do not.