CNN Host Spars With Conservative Guest In Heated Debate About Antisemitism

CNN host Abby Phillip engaged in a passionate debate on Saturday, attempting to draw a line between antisemitism and criticism of Israel during a lively panel discussion with a conservative guest.

“The Israel issue is a significant one, with both the left and the right increasingly adopting a critical stance towards the Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” Phillip shared with her panel on “Saturday Morning Table For Five.”

“It’s not just about the three candidates in New York,” she pointed out, referring to the trio of New York City Democratic congressional candidates who won their primaries with the support of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, all of whom are critical of Israel. “There are many individuals on the right now… Look at the recent comments made by JD Vance, which are being seen as him taking a tougher stance on Israel.”

Phillip highlighted that the vice president has been cognizant of the changing sentiments within the MAGA base towards Israel, as reflected in shifting poll numbers. Furthermore, Democratic voters have also grown more critical of Israel due to its ongoing conflict with Gaza following the 2023 Hamas attack.

The conversation took a turn when guest Noah Rothman, a National Review, criticized Vance and the right for their “antisemitic instincts.”

“I just want to clarify because these are distinct issues, right? There’s antisemitism and then there’s criticism of Israel,” Phillip emphasized.

Watch the intense discussion below: