Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects Trump's remarks on Muslims
"The State of Israel respects all religions and protects stringently the rights of all its citizens," Netanyahu says.
By HERB KEINONUpdated: DECEMBER 9, 2015 20:20US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a campaign stop in Spencer, Iowa(photo credit: REUTERS)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected on Wednesday night a comment made by US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to keep Muslims out of the United States."The State of Israel respects all religions and protects stringently the rights of all its citizens," a statement released by the PMO said."At the same time Israel is struggling with extreme Islam that is attacking Muslims, Christian and Jews as one and is threatening the entire world."In relation to the scheduled meeting with Mr. Trump the statement said that the meeting was scheduled two weeks ago, and that the PM previous to that has established a policy of meeting with every candidate who comes to Israel."This policy does not reflect support for the candidates or their policies, but rather expresses the importance that the PM tributes to the strong alliance between Israel and the United States."Earlier this week, Trump called for "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on" in light of "great hatred towards Americans by large segments of the Muslim population."