Weaponization of antisemitism

The weaponization of antisemitism, also described as the instrumentalization of antisemitism, is the use of the charge of antisemitism or the deployment of antisemitism and antisemitic sentiments.

In one context, it can be a bad faith charge of antisemitism against a person for political purposes, particularly with respect to criticism of Israel. It has been criticized as a form of playing the race card, smear tactics and an "appeal to motive".

Suggestions of such actions have been raised during phases of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, in the adoption of the controversial Working definition of antisemitism by various organizations, the 2014-20 allegations of antisemitism in the UK Labour Party, and the 2023 United States Congress hearing on antisemitism. Presuming that Muslims or Arabs criticizing Israel are motivated by antisemitism has been described as Islamophobic.

Critics of the concept have in turn argued that charging weaponization amounts to an antisemitic ad hominem attack whose use fails to address the issue at hand of antisemitism. The charge has also been criticized as a "testimonial injustice", rooted in presumption rather than evidence.