Minneapolis Mayor Criticizes Netanyahu Policies While Defending Israel

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressed criticism of Israel at a national conference of the Jewish Democratic Council of America in Washington on May 14, 2026. Speaking in response to an audience question, Frey recounted visiting a local grocery store shortly after Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct.

7, 2023. ’” he said. ” Frey continued that while some say criticism targets Zionists rather than Jews, many of those same people tie Zionism to Judaism. He added that one can support the existence of the State of Israel while opposing certain policies of its government.

“You can both believe in a State of Israel and support it, and simultaneously be opposed to some of the horrific acts that [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu has conducted,” Frey said. The mayor’s remarks were his most extensive public comments on Israel since he took a prominent role earlier in 2026 opposing the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement measures in Minneapolis.

Frey, who is Jewish, appeared at the event even as progressive elements within the Democratic Party have grown more critical of Israel. Responding to a question about anti-Israel sentiment in the party, Frey said Democrats should do more to constrain fringe sentiments.

He noted it is easier to criticize political opponents than to challenge one’s own side. “It’s easy for me, and it’s very easy for Democrats, to critique the right,” he said. ” Frey added that his deep concern is that people lack the resolve to tell their own side what they do not want to hear.

In a subsequent interview he said he opposes litmus tests and the villainization that occurs on both ends of the political spectrum. “I am uncomfortable with, ‘Get on board, say the word, say the phrase or we’re going to tar and feather you - put out this post or say on the stage this exact term, or else we’re going to consider you to be a villain,’” he said.

Frey has previously clashed with progressive members of the Minneapolis city council over Israel policy. In 2024 he blocked a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, describing it as one-sided. The primary focus of his session with the group’s treasurer concerned immigration enforcement by federal authorities in Minneapolis earlier in 2026.

Frey cited the Jewish concept of tikkun olam as part of his motivation to resist those measures. “As Jews, we have an obligation through tikkun olam to stand up for it, to make the world a better place, to heal people and to recognize that when they come for one of us, that they come for all of us,” he said.

During the question-and-answer portion Frey reiterated support for Israel as a place of refuge for Jews while acknowledging that policies can be improved.

The Jewish Democratic Council of America promotes a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Frey’s decision to speak at the summit comes as younger voters and the progressive wing of the Democratic Party have grown more critical of Israel.