Top Netanyahu ally compares Balfour protesters to mob that stormed Capitol

Likud coalition whip Miki Zohar, a close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, compares pro-Trump extremists who stormed the US Capitol building in a melee that left four dead with Israelis who have protested outside the premier’s official residence in Jerusalem.

“A question that’s bothering me. Which is worse and [more] harmful to democracy? An onslaught of violence by Americans on the Capitol Building in Washington, or an onslaught of violence by Israeli citizens on the Prime Minister’s Residence in Jerusalem,” Zohar tweets.

Protesters have gathered outside the prime minister’s residence for months and while there have been minor scuffles with police, the demonstrations have been overwhelmingly peaceful with no concerted efforts to break into the residence or any other government building.

In Washington, a violent mob loyal to US President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol, forcing lawmakers into hiding, and ransacking offices in an unprecedented assault on US democracy.

Four people died in the melee as police attempted to secure the US seat of power, in what Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called a “failed insurrection.”

Zohar indicates that his comments are directed against the media, saying it should “try to be objective from time to time.”

Netanyahu earlier said the “rampage… was a disgraceful act that must be vigorously condemned.”