Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hailing Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini as a "great friend of Israel," despite the Italian Jewish community's outcry over his far-right policies and anti-migration views.
Salvini met with Netanyahu on Wednesday in Jerusalem before visiting Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial, as part of his two-day trip to Israel.
However, the office of Israeli President Reuven Rivlin says he turned down a meeting with Salvini, citing a full schedule and declining further comment.
Italian Interior Minister and Deputy-Premier Matteo Salvini, speaks after signing the guest book at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)
Salvini's visit has drawn criticism for his far-right policies and anti-migration views. His remarks have frequently drawn outrage from the Italian Jewish community, whose leaders have expressed concern over the government's "radicalization."
Netanyahu's critics accuse him of giving a pass to authoritarian and far-right leaders out of political considerations.
Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked,right, meets with the Italian Interior Minister and Deputy-Premier Matteo Salvini at the Knesset in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018. (AP PhotoTsafrir Abayov)
Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked,right, meets with the Italian Interior Minister and Deputy-Premier Matteo Salvini at the Knesset in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018. (AP PhotoTsafrir Abayov)
Italian Interior Minister and Deputy-Premier Matteo Salvini, attends a memorial ceremony at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)