Former Rep. Joe Walsh (R-Ill.), a conservative radio host, said Thursday that President Obama "hates Israel" because "he has always been" a Muslim at heart.

For the past week, everybody has been asking again why Obama hates Israel. The answer is simple really: I think Obama is Muslim. /1 — Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) December 29, 2016

For better or worse, I'm not afraid to say it publicly. I think Obama is Muslim. I think in his head and in his heart he has always been. /5 — Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) December 29, 2016

And I think it explains Obama's hatred toward Israel and explains his weakening of America these past 8 years.



It's not complicated. /x — Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) December 29, 2016

Walsh, an outspoken supporter of President-elect Donald Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE, added Thursday that many Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators agree with his assessment of Obama’s religion but are afraid of publicly criticizing it.

I've been saying that for awhile now. It makes the GOP uneasy when I say he's a Muslim. It makes my radio stations uneasy when I say it. /2 — Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) December 29, 2016

I say it because I believe it. Look, I know there are many other radio talk show hosts, many other members of Congress... /3 — Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) December 29, 2016

...many other Fox News personalities who privately believe Obama is Muslim but are afraid to say it publicly in fear of losing ratings. /4 — Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) December 29, 2016

Walsh's comments on Twitter have raised eyebrows in the past, most recently in October, when he tweeted that "if Trump loses, I'm grabbing my musket."

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Israel is fuming after the U.S. abstained from voting last week on a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding it end its settlement building in occupied territories.

The U.S. could have vetoed the controversial measure but refrained, breaking from its longstanding policy of shielding Israel from U.N. reproaches.

Secretary of State John Kerry John Forbes KerryThe Memo: Warning signs flash for Trump on debates Divided country, divided church TV ads favored Biden 2-1 in past month MORE on Wednesday defended America’s abstention, characterizing the Israeli government’s settlement activities as an obstacle to peace with the Palestinians.

Republicans including Trump have panned the move. The president-elect has pledged a new day shall begin for Israeli-U.S. relations when he takes office.