German paper apologises for Netanyahu cartoon with anti-Semitic stereotypes

Germany’s new anti-Semitism commissioner says a leading newspaper crossed a “red line” with a caricature of Benjamin Netanyahu portraying the Israeli PM with oversized lips, ears and nose.

Felix Klein, who was appointed this year amid concerns over rising anti-Semitism, told the Bild newspaper that Tuesday’s cartoon in Munich’s Sueddeutsche Zeitung – in the aftermath of the US decision to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem – recalled “the intolerable depictions of Nazi propaganda”.

The drawing depicts Mr Netanyahu dressed as Israeli singer Netta Barzilai, who won this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

The heart that forms the V in Eurovision is replaced with a Star of David and Mr Netanyahu is hoisting a missile in his hand, saying “next year in Jerusalem”.

Sueddeutsche Zeitung has apologised for the caricature.

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