Staff Reports
The Senate took a stand against Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s controversial comments about Israel, passing a resolution that declares the country is not a “racist or apartheid state.” The measure was introduced by House Republicans in response to Jayapal’s accusation that Israel is racist in its treatment of Palestinians. While most Democrats support Israel, Jayapal’s comments expose a deep divide within the party, especially among members of the progressive “Squad.” Nine Democrats voted against the resolution, but Jayapal, who has since apologized, voted in favor of it.
The Senate passed a resolution Tuesday night declaring that Israel is not a "racist or apartheid state," a rebuke of @RepJayapal, whose inflammatory comments sparked fierce backlash ahead of a state visit by Israel's president.https://t.co/yzznaKcX4u
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) July 26, 2023
The resolution passed late in the evening, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer taking the opportunity to put it forward for unanimous consent. However, some critics point out that Schumer himself has faced criticism for his stance on Israel, with Sen. Bernie Sanders boycotting Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s joint address to Congress and Rep. Ilhan Omar making controversial comments about the Jewish state in the past. Democrats have expressed frustration with Israel’s expansion of settlements in the West Bank and their opposition to actions that they believe undermine a two-state solution. Much of their dissatisfaction is directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently pushed through judicial reforms that weaken the power of the Supreme Court.
Overall, this resolution serves as a reminder that support for Israel remains a contentious issue within the Democratic Party. While they strive to maintain a strong relationship with the country, tensions arise when it comes to specific policies and actions. Schumer, for example, reaffirmed his support for a strong Israel-America relationship but made it clear that he has expressed his disagreements with Netanyahu directly.
Editorial Opinion: It is encouraging to see the Senate stand up against Rep. Jayapal’s divisive and baseless accusations against Israel. The fact that Democrats overwhelmingly voted in favor of the resolution shows that there is still a bipartisan commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with our ally, despite the vocal minority within the party. It is essential that we support Israel as they face ongoing threats and remain committed to a peaceful solution in the region. As conservatives, we must continue to emphasize the importance of this alliance and reject any attempts to undermine it.
