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.