There are reports that Kanye West is currently working out contractual details for a return to Israel—a country he last played in 2015. Despite recent denials of these rumors from LiveNation Israel, it is worth taking a moment to look at the dynamics at play that would allow for such a visit. Global acts stopping in Israel on their tours is a long-standing point of pride for Israelis. From Madonna, Elton John and Rihanna in more distant memory to Bruno Mars in the days before October 7. If you stop someone on a Tel Aviv street, there is a decent chance they can name you performers who have come to Israel, and others that almost made the trip.

So much has changed in Israel and with Kanye since his last visit. In the aftermath of the October 7th attack and subsequent Gaza War, Israel and Jews around the world feel isolated and don’t not have many friends. When an individual comes out in support of Israel, the pro-Israel community have accepted them.  Alliances and friendships in the influencer and political class that would have been unimaginable on October 6th are now the norm. Who could have imagined that Michael Rapaport and Senator John Fetterman would be considered heroes of the Jewish people. On the whole, the trend of according unexpected friendship and support is a net positive as we open our doors a little wider and make a little bit more room in the tent for individuals with viewpoints different than our own. However, this approach needs boundaries. Kanye West is a step too far.