Israel envoy protests Japanese TV commentator’s remarks about Kushner’s Jewish identity
Critics said his comments suggested that Trump’s son-in-law should not be involved in negotiations with Iran because he is Jewish
Commentator Toru Tamagawa made the remarks on Friday’s broadcast of TV Asahi’s Hatori Shinichi Morning Show during a segment on the Middle East and Kushner’s role as a Trump envoy.
“It just looks like he’s there as a representative of the Trump family, and moreover, he’s Jewish, isn’t he?” Tamagawa said. “Regarding these talks with Iran, I feel like he’s someone who would be better off not being there, and I’ve always wondered what kind of person he is, coming in as the son-in-law.”
Israeli Ambassador Gilad Cohen confirmed on Tuesday that he had sent a letter of complaint to TV Asahi, even as the broadcaster defended its handling of the segment.
In a post on social media, Cohen wrote: “I have sent a formal letter to TV Asahi regarding the concerning remarks made by Toru Tamagawa, who suggested that Jared Kushner should be excluded from diplomatic negotiations simply because he is Jewish.”